Oksana Kosachenko, former commercial director of the Caterham Formula 1 team, commented on the European Court’s decision to lift sanctions against Russian driver Nikita Mazepin. In his interview with socialbites.ca, he expressed the opinion that this situation will set a precedent for other athletes who are under sanctions for reasons other than sports.
“Nikita is known for setting up a foundation in Russia that helps men who are left without contracts and deprived of the opportunity to perform due to sanctions. It seems to me that in this sense his career has already developed as a manager and administrator in sports, and not only.
I am incredibly happy and congratulations to Nikita. In the end, the EU Council realized that it was necessary not only to close everyone with sanctions and punish harshly, but also to understand what kind of interactions took place, whether there was an economic connection between the athlete and the business run by his father. Because this now sets an example that many of our other athletes can apply to. And now everyone is treated with the same brush. One surname means everyone is subject to sanctions. I agree, this is not a completely fair decision,” says Kosachenko.
Nikita Mazepin was subject to sanctions following the start of SVO in Ukraine. It has been included in the sanctions list of many countries, as well as the European Union. It was noted that in Europe, Mazepin played for the Haas Formula 1 team, sponsored by his father’s company, Uralchem. In addition, the “We Perform as One” foundation, which Mazepin founded to support athletes who were suspended from competitions for reasons other than sports, was also financed from Uralkali funds. It was concluded that the racer received “unreasonable benefits” from his father.
Against the background of these events, Haas unilaterally terminated the contract with the athlete and also refused to cooperate with Uralkali. The European Court imposed sanctions on Nikita and subsequently extended these sanctions three times. At the same time, restrictions were also suspended; The court noted that the measures taken should not affect Nikita’s sports activities. This allowed him to continue competing in international competitions. At the same time, the EU Council ignored the court’s decision and left the sanctions in place, which is why Mazepin decided to appeal.
Schumacher was tough before criticized.