New life of ex-F1 billionaire bad boy Nikita Mazepin – Haas exit, Le Mans joy, overturned sanctions
Nikita Mazepin has been busy despite being dropped by Formula 1's Haas in 2022, and he could even return to the big leagues in the near future following a recent sanction overturrning
by Aaron Morris · The MirrorOnce considered to be one of Formula One's most fierce drivers, Nikita Mazepin hasn't touched the tarmac of the sport in over two years.
The Russian son of oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita was dropped by Haas in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine – and he even received strict sanctions from the European Union which prevented him from returning to F1. While he hasn't driven for another Formula 1 team since, the 25-year-old has honed in on his skills in other promotions.
However, with sanctions removed earlier this year, he could be due an F1 return in the near future. But what has Mazepin been doing with his life since he was ousted from the sport? And how did he get his sanctions overturned?
Here, Mirror Sport breaks it down while looking at his past controversies and lavish life...
Billionaire bad boy
Unlike drivers who came from working-class backgrounds, Mazepin found himself in the F1 after being funded by his billionaire father, and has subsequently been dubbed a "pay driver". Russian businessman Dmitry is estimated to hold an overall net worth of around $2.4billion (£1.83bn) according to Forbes, largely due to his founding of chemical company Uralchem in 2007.
Mazepin earned his bad boy reputation for his divisive character both on and off the track. Most notably, while racing in the European Formula 3 championship, Mazepin became embroiled in a disagreement with ART GP's Callum Ilott, with the two men finding themselves in an altercation after a free practice session.
The Russian was handed a one-race ban by the FIA for unsporting behaviour following the incident.
Haas exit
Mazepin was initially contracted to race for Haas in the 2022 F1 World Championship, but his contract – as well as the team's title partnership with Uralkali – was terminated on March 5 that year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mazepin was understandably disappointed at the decision, citing how sporting sanctions brought in were a "cancel culture" against his nation.
A statement from the team at the time read: "Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict."
Kevin Magnussen replaced Mazepin under the Haas banner for the 2022 championship, achieving a 13th place finish for the season, while team-mate Mick Schumacher settled for 16th. Magnussen has remained with Haas ever since, currently sitting in 17th in the 2024 standings but has just a mere six points to his name.
Le Mans and Rally Raid
Following his Haas exit, Mazepin founded Jordanian-British racing team 99 Racing in 2022. He took part in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2023 alongside Ahmad Al Harthy and Louis Deletraz in the LMP2 category, winning the round one circuit at Sepang and the round three circuit in Dubai.
Mazepin also took part in Rally Raid in 2022 – an off-road motorsport which sees cars and bikes take on cross country and baja rallies. He made his debut in the Lagoda Trophy in June that year, before winning the Silk Way Rally the following month, driving a Can-Am T3 for Snag Racing.
While scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking part in the 2023 Silk Way event, he returned for the Denis Davydov Baja this year, bagging a runner-up finish for his efforts.
F1 sanctions overturned and a potential F1 return
In May this year, Mazepin had sanctions, imposed by the European Union which prevented him from racing in F1, overturned. The EU initially imposed sanctions on a select group of Vladimir Putin's closest allies, including Mazepin's father who had provided major funding for the Russian government as a general director of Uralchem.
However, a court earlier this year ruled that as Mazepin is no longer driving for Haas, it was wrong for the EU to keep him on their list of sanctioned people – citing how his family link alone was not enough to meet its criteria. Speaking after the verdict, Mazepin said in a statement: "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."
The youngster also took to social media to share: "742 days of life under sanctions. We are finally back," sparking debate as to whether a team could pick him up for the 2025 season. However, there are a number of barriers in Mazepin's way should he wish to return to F1.
His poor form during his time with Haas may raise questions on his capabilities on the track, finishing dead last in the 2021 season – leagues behind team-mate Schumacher and reserve driver Robert Kubica. Out of the 21 races in which Mazepin competed in across the 2021 season, the driver registered five DNFs (Did Not Finish). His best placement also came in the form of a 14th-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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