The European Union General Court has lifted sanctions against Russian Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin ©Getty Images

Russia's former Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin has been cleared to resume his motor racing career in Europe after it was interrupted by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The 23-year-old had been racing in the World Championship for the Haas team, which was financed by the Uralchem Group, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of nitrogen, potash and complex fertilisers, founded by his oligarch father Dmitry Mazepin, who has been sanctioned by the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom. 

Mazepin’s contract and the title sponsorship of the team were cancelled on the outbreak of the war.

The EU General Court has now lifted some of the sanctions against Mazepin.

The EU had targeted Mazepin as his father's company had "activity in economic sectors which constitute a substantial source of income" for Russia.

Nikita Mazepin raced for for the Haas team, which was financed by a fertiliser company founded by his father Dmitry ©Getty Images
Nikita Mazepin raced for for the Haas team, which was financed by a fertiliser company founded by his father Dmitry ©Getty Images

The ruling, though, still bans Mazepin from competing for a team which has links either to his father or anyone already sanctioned by the EU.

In the event of recruitment "in F1 or in another motor sport taking place on European territory, Nikita Mazepin must undertake to race under a neutral flag and to sign the commitment of the drivers required by the International Automobile Federation to this effect," said the declaration.

Mazepin, who has recently been racing in Asia, welcomed the decision by the EU body.

"I am very happy with this decision which gives me hope to resume my professional career in international motor racing," he told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

"I will do my best to make up for lost time and look forward to re-join the sport that I love, to which I have dedicated my life."

The EU General Court ruled that Mazepin "is in no way involved in the aggression suffered by Ukraine and does not exercise any activity in economic sectors which provide a substantial source of income" to Russia.

"He has always maintained a neutral position on the war as a professional athlete," added the order.

"He only asks that he be given the opportunity to pursue his career...without the financial support of his father."

Dmitry Mazepin, right, is considered to be part of the inner-circle of Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, leading to him being sanctioned by the European Union and United Kingdom ©Getty Images
Dmitry Mazepin, right, is considered to be part of the inner-circle of Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, leading to him being sanctioned by the European Union and United Kingdom ©Getty Images

Dmitry Mazepin who, according to Forbes is worth $800 million (£667 million/€754 million), is considered to be part of Vladimir Putin's inner-circle.

The Court said that the European Council did not "provide convincing evidence" showing that the ex-Haas driver "should be considered as still being linked to his father".

Mazepin endured a tough single season in Formula One, ending the 2021 season in 21st place and without a single point to his name.