the Russian Nikita Mazepin can once again claim a place in Formula 1

The Court of Justice of the European Union delivered its verdict on Wednesday 1 March. As Russia invaded Ukraine a little over a year ago, Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin was kicked out of the Haas team. Like his father – the billionaire and oligarch Dmitry Mazepin – he is still one of the people under sanction from the European Union, and therefore prohibited from entering the territory. The decision of the Court of Justice authorizes him to travel to the EU for his driving activities, provided that he competes under a neutral banner, as required by the International Automobile Federation.

Nikita Mazepin can now, “only insofar as necessary”travel to EU territory to “negotiate his recruitment as a professional driver, and participate in the Grands Prix, tests, training sessions and free sessions of Formula 1 and other motorsport championships”. The Russian pilot can also “to negotiate and conclude agreements with a racing team or with sponsors” which are not related to the activities of his father, nor to natural or legal persons under EU sanction.

Mazepin can in theory claim a seat in F1

Nikita Mazepin also has the right to travel to the European Union to “submit to the medical examinations imposed by the FIA ​​or by its racing team”, “to participate in racing, sponsorship and promotional activities at the request of his team or his sponsors”And “open a bank account” to receive the money earned from his pilot activities. All these sports opportunities are subject to a condition. Anyone who now evolves in the 99 Racing team must commit to racing under a neutral flag in any championship “taking place also or solely on the territory of the Union”and to sign the drivers’ commitment required by the FIA ​​for this purpose.

Nikita Mazepin can theoretically claim a seat in Formula 1 again. In theory only, since the 2023 season begins on Sunday March 5, with the first Grand Prix in Bahrain, and all the drivers on the grid are already known.