Nikita Mazepin is set to make a return to racing, nearly one year after being dropped by the Haas F1 team. The Russian driver made his debut for the squad in the 2021 season and looked set to be retained for 2022. However, Mazepin was axed shortly before the start of the campaign following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting Kevin Magnussen to make a surprise comeback to fill the vacant seat. Mazepin and his father Dmitry were also added to a list of individuals who are subject to European Union sanctions . As such, Mazepin has not raced outside of his home country for some time, but looks set to take part in the 2023 Asian Le Mans Series after being named in the 99 Racing Team Oreca line-up.
Mazepin 'delighted' to make racing return
Mazepin will team up with 2021 Asian Le Mans runner-up Ben Barnicoat and WTCC driver Felix Porteiro for the series, with races set to take place in February. "I am delighted to be making my return to racing in the Asian Le Mans Series," Mazepin explained in a statement. "Together with my teammates at 99 Racing, I'm hoping to have a great experience competing in the sport I love." Dan Hodder, 99 Racing Sporting Director, said of Mazepin's participation: "It's an opportunity for Nikita to try something new in a professional yet more relaxed environment to what he's accustomed to in Formula 1, and we can already see his desire and commitment to be competitive from the outset."
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