Sanctions tied to the father
The Court of Justice of the European Union has lifted sanctions against the Russian driver Nikita Mazepin. The ruling emphasizes that family ties to his father, businessman Dmitry Mazepin, do not automatically justify continued restrictions.
The court stated, “The family connection with Dmitry Mazepin is not enough to regard the two as having shared interests, and therefore the individual should not remain on the sanctions lists.”
The driver described the removal of sanctions as a pivotal milestone in his career.
“I am pleased with today’s decision and grateful to the European Court for weighing my case fairly. I know the legal process to fully lift the measures is ongoing, but this marks a significant step forward for me.”
How it began
Nikita Mazepin faced EU and UK sanctions after the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. In Europe, it was noted that Mazepin drove for the Haas Formula 1 team, funded by his father’s company, Uralchem. The “We Perform as One” foundation, established to aid athletes suspended for reasons beyond sports, also received Uralchem funding. Authorities concluded that Mazepin benefited in ways that raised questions of undue advantage tied to his father’s influence.
In response, Haas terminated Mazepin’s contract unilaterally and declined collaboration with Uralkali. The European Court initially imposed sanctions on him and renewed them several times. Over time, restrictions were suspended, with the court noting that measures should not hinder Mazepin’s sporting activities, allowing participation in international events. Nevertheless, the EU Council maintained the sanctions, prompting Mazepin to appeal.
Mazepin’s sole Formula 1 season came in 2021, during which he did not score points. In April 2023, Mazepin sought to have Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly remove him from the sanctions list, arguing that the restrictions curb his ability to race in Canada and jeopardize a hoped-for return to Formula 1 in 2024.
“A potential signal for others”
Oksana Kosachenko, former commercial director of the Caterham Formula 1 team, spoke about the European Court’s decision to socialbites.ca. She welcomed Mazepin’s victory, suggesting it could serve as a precedent for other athletes facing similar situations.
“The moment is meaningful for Nikita. The EU Council recognized that sanctions should consider the broader context, including any economic ties between the athlete and family business interests.”
Kosachenko added that this sets a benchmark that other competitors might reference in future cases.
Anticipated next steps
The analyst also outlined what Mazepin might do next. The expectation is that he will pursue reinstatement of his contract with Haas.
“This matter stands as a clear example. The question now is how eager Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship, and other major teams will be to re-engage with the Russian driver after sanctions are lifted. It remains a concern whether teams can legally terminate the contract and how removal of sanctions might influence negotiations.”