Mazepin makes shock 'career change' after F1 sacking

Nikita Mazepin has re-branded himself to a 'hybrid athlete' and plans to compete in a boxing bout, three years on from his F1 sacking. 

The Russian driver was sacked by Haas on the eve of the 2022 season following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with both he and his father Dmitry, having close links to president Vladimir Putin. 

Both Mazepins were later added to an EU sanctions list, and although this was later overturned, the F2-race winner was unable to find a team willing to take him back on to resume his F1 career. 

He has since founded his own endurance racing team and competes in the Asian Le Mans series, but Mazepin is now opting for a different career path altogether.

On his Instagram, he now refers to himself as a "hybrid athlete", and speaking to Russian media, confirmed he is set for a bout in the ring later this year.

"This year, I plan to participate in five competitions in different sports," he explained to Tass.

"The boxing match will take place in the fall of 2025 and I hope everything will go well." 

No further details such as opponent and location have been confirmed, with Mazepin all set to try his hand at triathlon and dune buggy racing.