(OTTAWA) A Russian racing driver is suing Canada, claiming sanctions imposed on him following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are unfairly damaging his career.
Nikita Mazepin, a former Formula 1 driver, is asking the Federal Court to order Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly to take immediate action to remove him from Canada’s sanctions list.
He believes that at the very least, Mme Joly should make a decision on her delisting request and notify her of the outcome within five days.
Mr. Mazepin is also asking the court to order interim measures that would allow him to participate in motor racing in Canada.
The pilot and his father, businessman Dmitry Mazepin, are among 14 people deemed to be oligarchs, family members or associates of the Russian regime who were added to Canada’s sanctions list on the same day last May.
Global Affairs Canada declined to comment on the case while it is before Federal Court.
Canada has sanctioned hundreds of Russian individuals and organizations following Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine, banning Canadian-related financial transactions.
Mr. Mazepin’s Notice of Application filed in court states that he is a “young sportsman and professional racing driver who is in no way involved in the aggression suffered by Ukraine”. He clarified that he is not engaged in any economic sector providing substantial income to Russia.
Sanctions prevent Mr Mazepin from racing in Canada or having any dealings with Canadians, which ‘catastrophically reduces’ his chance of returning to the Formula 1 circuit next year, according to the petition .
An interrupted dream
Mr Mazepin, 24, fulfilled his life’s dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver at the start of 2021, joining the Haas team as one of two drivers. In March 2022, the team terminated the deal they had made with him for the following season.
PHOTO ALBERT GEA, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Nikita Mazepin during testing in Barcelona in February 2022
Shortly after, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on the young pilot, but a court has since granted him interim measures allowing him to continue his career in the EU.
Also, he competed in the 2023 Le Mans Asian Endurance Race Series.
Negotiations for the 2024 F1 season will begin this spring or summer, making the matter urgent, according to the court’s request.
If Mr Mazepin is unable to participate in the next F1 season, which would be the third consecutive season he will miss, “it will be extremely difficult – if not impossible – for him to be recruited again as a driver of F1 or as a driver in other motorsport championships. »
Last year, Mr Mazepin asked Global Affairs to explain his reasons for being listed, and even submitted a freedom of information request for details, but to no avail, the request adds. .
In December, he asked to be removed from the sanctions list. However, the minister did not meet the 90-day response deadline, the document states.
In his opinion, Mr. Mazepin asserts that the Minister failed to respect the principles of natural justice by not giving him the opportunity to be heard on the listing decision and by not providing him with the reasons for the penalties.
Global Affairs has not yet filed a statement of defense with the court.