Mazepin had to say goodbye to Formula 1 in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. The Russian was fired from Haas after that country’s sponsorships and licensing were banned by the FIA, but not driver participation via a neutral flag. However, that was not enough to continue.

Once out of Formula 1, the European Union placed his father, Dmitry Mazepin, on sanctions lists for his close ties to Vladimir Putin. Of course, those have eased off lately which is a good sign for Nikita in his aim to return to the premier class and we already know he won’t do that with Haas.

Mazepin’s next goal is for Canada to repeal the rule that prevents the participation of oligarchs, relatives and associates of the Russian regime in any sporting event that takes place within its borders. As a result, they chose to sue the Canadian government as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in Federal Court.

The ban on not racing the Canadian GP would be a major obstacle for Mazepin in his aim to gain the confidence of a team on the grid to return full time. For this reason, he demands speed in decision-making, since the Silly Season of Formula 1 will start soon, so he wants to be informed of the final answer within five days.

Mazepin’s request to give the green light to his participation in Montreal is that of a “young sportsman and professional racing driver who is not involved in any way in the aggression suffered by Ukraine”. In addition, it should be mentioned that Russian and Belarusian tennis players who were unable to play Wimbledon in 2022 – they will be able to do so this year – have been given the green light to play in the Canadian Masters 1000.