Nikita Mazepin speaks out on potential F1 return after driver's sanctions were removed

Nikita Mazepin has ruled out a potential return to Formula One despite having his sanctions lifted by the . The 25-year-old, who hails from Russia, drove for in 2021 before he was sacked the following year amid the war in Ukraine.

The EU added Mazepin to its sanctions list due to his association with his father, Dmitry, an influential businessman in Russia. He was said to have been the main sponsor of his son's activities as a racing driver and has been described as a close associate of Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this year, . They said that keeping him on the list would require the existence of a link going beyond a simple family relationship, which they decided was not the case.

It means Mazepin is technically free to return to F1 as a neutral competitor, but the former Haas racer appears to have given up hope of getting another chance in motorsport's premier class.

In a lengthy statement on , he revealed he was giving up on his F1 dream after missing several important years of development while he was sanctioned.

"Vindication in the courts is sweet, but the truth is that I can't get those years back... those essential years in the life and development of any professional athlete," wrote Mazepin.

"Which leaves me now, at the ripe old age of 25, realising it is time to look forward, not back. The time has come to write the next act of my life as an adult, with dreams tied, not to speed and trophies, but to applying my mind, and to finding my purpose.

"This will come with completing my education, working hard, and taking good care of my spirit along the way. I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and even to those who have not throughout my time in motor racing. It has all made me stronger.

"So, while you will not be seeing a return to Formula One for me, I will be happy to share news with you on my next steps."

Mazepin struggled badly in his only season on the F1 grid, failing to score a single point for Haas before he was axed. His best finish came at that year's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he crossed the line in 14th place.

After being dropped by Haas, Mazepin launched the 'We Compete as One' foundation to support Russian athletes who were banned from competing due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.