The European Union’s sanctions against Nikita Mazepin, a former Formula One driver from Russia, were lifted by the General Court of the EU on Wednesday in retaliation for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The European Union said Mazepin, 25, had been placed on its list of individuals subject to penalties because of his relationship with his powerful businessman father, Dmitry, who was allegedly the primary financier of his son’s racing endeavors.
Dmitry Mazepin was referred to by the European Union as “a member of the closest circle” by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But in its decision on Wednesday, the court found that Mazepin had ceased to drive for the Haas Formula One Racing Team, and therefore the European Union erred in keeping the athlete on its list of sanctioned individuals.
The court said the “association” criterion used in the EU sanctions regime requires the existence of a link going beyond a simple family relationship which it said wasn’t the case after Mazepin stopped F1 racing.
“I am hugely encouraged by today’s ruling and grateful to the European Court for a fair trial of my case,” Mazepin said in a statement e-mailed by one of his aides. “This is certainly a crucial milestone.”
Mazepin has also challenged EU and Canadian sanctions as part of his attempt to return to F1.
He currently competes in the Asian Le Mans series, a lesser-known racing league staging competitions in the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
His aide did not immediately reply when asked by Reuters if Mazepin still planned to return to F1.
Last month, diplomatic sources told Reuters the EU was preparing to lift sanctions on Mazepin, saying Hungary had been lobbying on the driver’s behalf.
