Nikita Mazepin targets F1 return after Russian ‘cancel culture’ Haas sacking

Nikita Mazepin is not ruling out a return to the Formula One grid in future having been sacked by Haas on the eve of the 2022 season.

The Russian driver was dropped from the team following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, along with title sponsor sponsor Uralkali – owned by his father Dmitry. The pair have also faced sanctions from the UK and EU with Dmitry described as "a member of the closest circle of Vladimir Putin".

Kevin Magnussen swiftly returned to F1 to take the vacant seat and has impressed, picking up 12 points in the opening three races. That already exceeds Haas' total tally last year, where they failed to secure a single top-ten finish.

While the change has led to success for Haas, Mazepin admits his career is on a 'hiatus' and believes he has suffered at the hands of 'cancel culture' directed towards Russian athletes, most of whom have been banned completely or are unable to compete under the Russian flag.

“My career is now on hiatus. 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," he told the Ria Novosti news agency in a statement.

“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.”

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“My life has changed radically in just one month, 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.”

Mazepin and his father have both been placed on the list of those sanctioned by the EU amidst the invasion and has refused to speak out publicly on the war as he can 'never satisfy everyone'.

He did propose to race under the neutral flag prior to his dismissal from Haas but that proposal was ignored, with the team instead cutting ties with the Mazepin family completely.

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