FIA ban lifted: Racing comeback for former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin

Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 career came to an unexpected end before the start of the 2022 season. The Russian was actually due to compete for the Haas team in the top tier of motor racing that year, having completed his first and only season in the premier class in 2021. However, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine led the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to decide to introduce special conditions for Russian and Belarusian athletes, under which they were only permitted to compete in FIA series under a neutral FIA flag and after signing a declaration of neutrality.

For Mazepin, this was out of the question, so Mick Schumacher’s former team-mate withdrew from European motor racing and turned his attention to other sporting challenges. Recently, however, all restrictions have been lifted, meaning the 27-year-old can once again compete in FIA series. And he is seizing the opportunity for a comeback: Mazepin is competing in the Special Touring Car Trophy for Team Motopark – and with great success.

During the ADAC race weekend at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the Russian managed to secure pole position by a considerable margin. In his Mercedes-AMG GT3 car, he was more than four seconds faster than the rest of the field. Today, Saturday, he secured victory in the first race. Tomorrow, Sunday, the second qualifying session and the second race are on the programme.

The lifting of restrictions on Russian athletes has not been without consequences for the FIA either. The Ukrainian Automobile Federation has lodged a formal complaint with the Ethics Council and has also called for an investigation into the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) because it operates offices in Russian-occupied territories. The Ukrainians argue that this constitutes a breach of the FIA’s statutes.

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