Mazepin overturns EU sanctions after Russian invasion

Nikita Mazepin has successfully overturned European Union sanctions levied against him after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

After Vladimir Putin launched the invasion in February 2022, Mazepin and his father Dmitry were hit with sanctions and a travel ban after being adjudged to be close contacts of Putin.

He was subsequently sacked by Haas on the eve of the 2022 season, being replaced by Kevin Magnussen.

On the day of the invasion itself, Dmitry Mazepin was present at a meeting of oligarchs in the Kremlin, with his fortune being made through the Uralchem chemicals business, as the Uralkali brand proved key to Mazepin securing a race seat with Haas for 2021.

However, the EU's general court has lifted the sanctions against him, with the reasoning being that the "association" criteria that was used to sanction Mazepin required a further link than just his father's relationship to Putin.

Sanctions against Mazepin issued by the United Kingdom and Canada remain in place.

Mazepin has hopes of returning to F1, should he be able to find a seat, having last competed in the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, having tested positive for COVID-19 on race day ahead of the championship-deciding Abu Dhabi race one week later.

He is currently racing in the Asian Le Mans Series.

In a statement, Mazepin expressed his encouragement at the lifting of the sanctions.

"I am hugely encouraged by today's ruling and grateful to the European Court for a fair trial of my case. This is certainly a crucial milestone."