End clap for Nikita Mazepin in motorsport. The Russian driver, who drove a season in Formula 1 with Haas in 2021, lost his seat in the winter of 2022, when Russia began to attack Ukraine on its territory. Long present on the list of people sanctioned in Europe, due to the links of his father, Dmitry Mazepin, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the 25-year-old Muscovite was dismissed by the American team, which had taken advantage of the war to get rid of the one who was Mick Schumacher’s teammate.
In one season, Mazepin had been talked about more for his spins than for his results on the track (0 points, best result in Baku with a 14th place). Engaged in rallying in Russia and in Endurance in the Asian Le Mans Series with his 99 Racing team in recent years, Nikita has decided to hang up his helmet, and therefore give up the idea of one day returning to Formula 1. The driver 25-year-old announced it to his community on social networks, in a long message of which here is an extract.
“Today, at the ripe age of 25, I realize that it is time to look forward and not back. The time has come to write the next act of my adult life, with dreams linked, not to speed and trophies, but to the application of my mind and the search for my purpose. To do this, I must complete my studies, work hard, and take care of my mind along the way. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me – and even those who haven’t – throughout my journey in the world of motor racing. All this made me stronger. If I do not return to Formula 1, I will be happy to give you news of my next steps.
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