News of the latest amendments published by the Council of the European Union came shortly after Mazepin told the media that neither he nor his father were subject to sanctions, and therefore this could not serve as a reason for the Haas team broke both his contract and that of his sponsor Uralkali .
The Russian driver explained in a virtual press conference on Wednesday that his dismissal from the team was a surprise, as he had not received any indication from team boss Guenther Steiner about that decision.
The Muscovite commented that he had agreed to sign the document provided by the FIA that allowed drivers from Russia to compete under a neutral flag: “I unconditionally consented to this when it was published by the World Motor Sport Council, so Haas’ decision was not based in any directive of the governing body of the sport, nor was it dictated by any sanction that was imposed, neither on me, nor on my father, nor on his company.
Within hours, however, Nikita Mazepin was listed as the 732nd Russian sanctioned by the European Union, while his father was number 723.
Explaining the decision, the EU noted that, as head of Uralkali , Mazepin Sr. “is involved in economic sectors that provide a substantial source of income to the Government of the Russian Federation, which is responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine.” .
It also refers to the fact that, along with 36 other businessmen, he met with Vladimir Putin on February 24, the day the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, to discuss its likely impact.
The EU notes that “the fact that you were invited to attend this meeting shows that you are a member of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, and that you are supporting or carrying out political actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, as well as the stability and security of the country”.
As for the 23-year-old driver, the EU noted his participation in F1, now suspended, noting that “he is a natural person associated with a major businessman (his father) who is involved in economic sectors that provide a substantial source of income to the Government of the Russian Federation, responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine.”
