Nikita Mazepin has revealed his hopes of returning to racing following his recent departure from F1. It was confirmed earlier last month that Mazepin had been dropped from the Haas team, along with Russian sponsor Uralkali, following the country's major military attack on Ukraine. Mazepin and his oligarch father Dmitry, chairman of Uralkali, were placed on EU and UK sanction lists in March. In the days after news of his exit emerged, the driver spoke to the press and claimed to have learned of his departure from Haas at the same time as the media. He also announced plans to establish a foundation called 'We Compete As One', with the aim of helping to support, financially and psychologically, Russian athletes who have been shut out of their respective fields.
Mazepin admits that career is on "hiatus"
Mazepin has now given a further update on his situation, and admits that his racing career is currently on hold. However, the 23-year-old still hopes to return to F1, or to compete in another category of motorsport if this is not possible. "My career is now on hiatus," Mazepin said in a statement to the Ria Novosti news agency. "But I have been involved in motorsport for 18 years, and I have no intention of leaving it. I'm keeping fit and I hope to return to Formula 1. "If it doesn't work out, I will consider other options. For example, I'm interested in racing in the desert. The Dakar is possible, as is the Silk Road rally."
"My life has changed radically in just one month"
In the weeks since his exit from Formula 1, Mazepin says that his life looks dramatically different. "My life has changed radically in just one month," he explained. "I'm thinking about taking part in some competitions in Russia. All things in life, however, even the bad ones, have a beginning and an end. "I hope that soon there will be another change, this time positive, in my life and in my career."
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