Nikita Mazepin, the Russian driver ousted from Formula 1 two seasons ago, has opened up about the challenges he’s faced since leaving the sport. The former Haas driver, who faced sanctions amid geopolitical ructions, recently made a victorious return to circuit racing in the Asian Le Mans series at Sepang.
Now 24, Mazepin is eyeing new horizons, including the prestigious Le Mans race in 2024. In an interview with the Russian portal Championat, he expressed his aspirations. “Depending on the calendar, I would really like to do Le Mans,” he said. “I’d also really like to compete at Daytona.”
However, the path back to Formula 1 remains fraught with obstacles. “I’m not forgetting about Formula 1 either, but there are still difficulties. I can have a place at Le Mans, but we cannot forget about the sanctions,” Mazepin acknowledged. Visa issues and other complications stemming from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continue to cloud his career prospects.
Describing his post-F1 journey, Mazepin reflected, “It’s like one step forward, two steps back, three steps forward. Still, after Formula 1, the series in Asia is a downgrade. But I’m trying to keep myself at the right weight and shape to return to F1 if I can.”
Yet, the emotional toll of his F1 departure is evident. Watching grands prix on TV is not a pleasant experience for Mazepin. “It’s not always a pleasant feeling to watch them,” he admitted. “It’s even quite stressful. Because I know that just a four-hour flight from Moscow there is a track in Europe where it’s taking place, but for some subjective reasons I cannot get there.”
