The European Court of Justice has allowed Russian driver Nikita Mazepin to enter the European Union to compete in Formula 1, but only with the requirement to compete under a neutral flag. This was reported by the press service of the court.
The President of the Court’s decision of 1 March specifically states that Mazepin is allowed to enter EU territory as an exception “to negotiate and negotiate agreements with one of the racing teams or sponsors”.
At the same time, the negotiations of the Russian racer in the EU should not be related to the activities of his father, Dmitry Mazepin, or other people who fell under European sanctions.
It is also allowed to enter EU territory “to participate as a main or reserve driver in Formula 1 championships or other competitions, other competitions and training organized by the International Automobile Federation”.
If Mazepin is admitted to one of the Formula 1 teams or other automobile championships, he must “commit to act under an unbiased flag and sign the obligation required by the International Automobile Federation in this regard.”
Mazepin, 24, was the Haas team driver for the 2021 season and finished 21st in the final standings. In March 2022, it was announced that the team terminated cooperation with the Russian.
Recall that at the end of February, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) addressed international sports federations and recommended that domestic and Belarusian athletes should not participate in any competitions.
The International Motor Sports Federation (FIA) has not completely excluded the Russians from competitions under its auspices. Local athletes continue to compete in tournaments under the neutral flag.
Earlier it was reported that skier Alexander Bolshunov. does not see The proposal of Yulia Stupak on the admission of the Russians to the competition makes sense.