Banned Russian driver could make shock F1 return with Alpine
Nikita Mazepin participated in Formula 1 for the Haas team during the 2021 season.
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Nikita Mazepin and Alpine (images via IMAGO)
F1 has a bit of a reputation for being a rich man’s sport. However, such instances of drivers buying their way into a team have reduced overtime. Russian driver Nikita Mazepin remained an exception in recent history, but his chance lasted only a single season as Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Despite being sacked earlier, he did not lower his morale, and the 25-year-old is now poised for a return back to F1 with Alpine.
Nikita Mazepin did not have a huge career in F1. The Russian entered every Grand Prix in 2021 but failed to score a single point and finished 14th in the standings behind his teammate. Moreover, his only achievement in the action-packed season was claiming the fastest lap at the Belgian GP, a race that was called off due to torrential weather conditions.
The former Haas driver was sacked at the start of the 2022 season as his home nation invaded Ukraine, causing an outcry within the paddock. Subsequently, Russian drivers and athletes were banned from competing on the world stage which seemingly closed the door for his return to the grid anytime soon.
However, as Oliver Oakes has taken the role of team principal at Alpine, the 36-year-old has close ties with Hitech GP, who, according to Auto Motor und Sport, could buy the French team. On the other hand, Mazepin’s father is an investor in Hitech GP, which could open up a route for his son to get back into F1 in an unusual way.
What Nikita Mazepin had been doing away from the world of F1?
After being sacked by Haas after pre-season testing, the 25-year-old remained inactive in the world of motorsport due to the ban. However, he did not stay away from participating in events from long as he began his venture in endurance racing.
The Russian started competing in the LMP2 category in Asian Le Mans. He accumulated two wins in the 2023-24 season and finished fourth in the driver’s standings. On the other hand, he has now switched his focus to GT3 racing and is often spotted around the world testing different types of machinery.
While this would not be the first time that a driver has barged their way into F1 with the help of their father’s investment, Mazepin’s return might bring more backlash for the Enstone-based outfit. Thus, Alpine appears to be in a sense of disarray amid speculations regarding the team’s closure.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)