Sanctions because of the father
The Court of Justice of the European Union lifted the sanctions against Russian racer Nikita Mazepin. Web site organizations. It is emphasized that family ties with his father, businessman Dmitry Mazepin, are not essential for maintaining the restrictions.
“The family connection with businessman Dmitry Mazepin is not sufficient for him to be considered related to his father in terms of common interests and therefore remain on these lists,” the statement said.
The racer said that the lifting of sanctions was an important turning point for him.
“I am very pleased with today’s decision and grateful to the European Court for considering my case fairly. I am aware that the legal process to lift the sanctions is not yet complete, but this is certainly an important milestone for me.” aforementioned Mazepin in conversation with Izvestia.
Where it all begins
Nikita Mazepin was subject to sanctions from the EU and the UK following the start of SVO in Ukraine. In Europe, it was noted that 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. However, the restrictions were later suspended; The court noted that the measures taken should not affect Nikita’s sports activities. This allowed him to continue competing in international competitions. However, the EU Council ignored the court’s decision and left the sanctions in place. Mazepin decided to appeal.
The athlete spent his only season in Formula 1 in 2021, but could not finish with points. In April 2023, Mazepin requested that Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly remove him from the sanctions list. The application to the Federal Court claimed that the restrictions prevent Mazepin from racing in Canada, which “catastrophically reduces” his chances of returning to Formula 1 in 2024.
“This will set an example for other athletes as well.”
The decision of the European Court was commented to socialbites.ca by Oksana Kosachenko, former commercial director of the Caterham Formula 1 team. The woman was happy for Mazepin and noted that his victory in the court could set an example for other athletes.
“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 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 the expert.
“The next step is to reinstate the contract.”
Kosachenko also suggested how Mazepin would act next. According to him, he will try to ensure that the contract with Haas is reinstated.
“This is a very important example. Another question is how strong the desire of Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship and other championship teams will be to return to serious negotiations with the Russian driver after the sanctions are lifted. We still believe that it is unlawful for the team to terminate the contract. Removal of sanctions Nikita “It will allow .