The EU's General Court on Wednesday (Mar 20) handed a win to Russian former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin, overturning EU sanctions imposed against him as part of the bloc's response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

The EU's General Court on Wednesday (Mar 20) handed a win to Russian former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin, overturning EU sanctions imposed against him as part of the bloc's response to Russia's war in Ukraine. The European Union said it had added Mazepin, 25, to its sanctions list due to his association with his father, Dmitry, an influential businessman who it said was the main sponsor of his son's activities as a racing driver. The European Union had described Dmitry Mazepin as "a member of the closest circle" of Russian President Vladimir Putin. But in Wednesday's ruling, the court said Mazepin had stopped being a driver for the Haas F1 racing team, meaning the EU was wrong to keep the athlete on its sanctions list after he quit the team. 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. Also read | Formula 1: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz likely to race in Australia after return from appendicitis surgery 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.

Former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin removed from EU sanctions list

Russian Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula One this season after his U.S.-owned Haas squad on Saturday severed ties with the 23-year-old and title sponsor Uralkali over his country's invasion of Ukraine.

The outfit did not immediately announce a replacement to race alongside German Mick Schumacher, but team boss Guenther Steiner said last week Brazilian reserve Pietro Fittipaldi would get the "first call".

Fittipaldi stood in for Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the Frenchman’s fiery crash.&nbsp;

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“Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin," the team said in a statement.

"As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”

Mazepin’s future was already looking uncertain after Haas removed branding for Uralkali, a Russian potash producer, from their car on the last day of the Barcelona test last week in the wake of Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.&nbsp;

Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s Oligarch father, Dmitry, with the 23-year-old’s place at the team guaranteed by the sponsorship deal.

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Mazepin made his debut last season in an all-rookie line-up with Schumacher.

The only Russian on the grid, he would have been allowed to race in a neutral capacity, according to a decision by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.

But his participation in individual races would have been in doubt, especially after Motorsport UK banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from competing in the country, raising the prospect of other national motorsport federations doing the same. &nbsp;

Haas finished at the bottom of the constructors’ standings last year and were the only team not to score a point after choosing to forgo the development of their car to focus on their 2022 challenger designed to this year's drastically overhauled rules.&nbsp;

But Mazepin’s performances were also underwhelming, with the Russian outperformed by teammate Schumacher.

His ousting from Haas could mark the end of his career.

Formula One on Thursday said it will no longer race in Russia after terminating its Russian Grand Prix contract, originally set to expire in 2025.

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The sport had already called off its 2022 race in the country.

Formula One will hold its final pre-season test in Bahrain from March 10 to 12. The season gets underway in the island kingdom on March 20.

Russian Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula One this season after his U.S.-owned Haas squad on Saturday severed ties with the 23-year-old and title sponsor Uralkali over his country's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula One this season after his U.S.-owned Haas squad on Saturday severed ties with the 23-year-old and title sponsor Uralkali over his country's invasion of Ukraine. The outfit did not immediately announce a replacement to race alongside German Mick Schumacher, but team boss Guenther Steiner said last week Brazilian reserve Pietro Fittipaldi would get the "first call". Fittipaldi stood in for Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the Frenchman’s fiery crash. ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja breaks Kapil Dev's record with unbeaten 175 in 1st Test against Sri Lanka “Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin," the team said in a statement. "As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.” Mazepin’s future was already looking uncertain after Haas removed branding for Uralkali, a Russian potash producer, from their car on the last day of the Barcelona test last week in the wake of Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s Oligarch father, Dmitry, with the 23-year-old’s place at the team guaranteed by the sponsorship deal. ALSO READ: Women's WC 2022: Pakistan have come prepared, can't take them lightly, says Indian skipper Mithali Raj Mazepin made his debut last season in an all-rookie line-up with Schumacher. The only Russian on the grid, he would have been allowed to race in a neutral capacity, according to a decision by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council. But his participation in individual races would have been in doubt, especially after Motorsport UK banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from competing in the country, raising the prospect of other national motorsport federations doing the same. Haas finished at the bottom of the constructors’ standings last year and were the only team not to score a point after choosing to forgo the development of their car to focus on their 2022 challenger designed to this year's drastically overhauled rules. But Mazepin’s performances were also underwhelming, with the Russian outperformed by teammate Schumacher. His ousting from Haas could mark the end of his career. Formula One on Thursday said it will no longer race in Russia after terminating its Russian Grand Prix contract, originally set to expire in 2025. ALSO READ: Great Southern Stand at MCG to be renamed after legendary spinner Shane Warne The sport had already called off its 2022 race in the country. Formula One will hold its final pre-season test in Bahrain from March 10 to 12. The season gets underway in the island kingdom on March 20.

Formula One: US-owned Haas squad break ties with Russian racer Nikita Mazepin

Russian Formula One rookie Nikita Mazepin will not race in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Haas team said.

Mazepin will not be replaced and Haas will run with only one driver, Mick Schumacher, because rules prohibit a driver who has not taken part in at least one session from racing on Sunday.

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"Nikita is physically well, having been asymptomatic, but he will now self-isolate and adhere to the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for all parties concerned," the American team's statement said.

Mazepin, who was set to start last on the grid, is the eighth driver to have tested positive for COVID-19 since last season.

The 22-year-old, who will be staying at Haas alongside Schumacher next year, had appeared in a video released by Formula One on Saturday, urging people to get vaccinated.

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Formula One teams have operated in a protective bubble with regular testing since last year, though protocols have been eased and fans allowed back at races in high numbers.

Russian Formula One rookie Nikita Mazepin will not race in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Haas team said. Mazepin will not be replaced and Haas will run with only one driver, Mick Schumacher, because rules prohibit a driver who has not taken part in at least one session from racing on Sunday.

Russian Formula One rookie Nikita Mazepin will not race in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Haas team said. Mazepin will not be replaced and Haas will run with only one driver, Mick Schumacher, because rules prohibit a driver who has not taken part in at least one session from racing on Sunday. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen on pole for title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton second "Nikita is physically well, having been asymptomatic, but he will now self-isolate and adhere to the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for all parties concerned," the American team's statement said. Mazepin, who was set to start last on the grid, is the eighth driver to have tested positive for COVID-19 since last season. The 22-year-old, who will be staying at Haas alongside Schumacher next year, had appeared in a video released by Formula One on Saturday, urging people to get vaccinated. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Grand Prix, comes at par with Max Verstappen Formula One teams have operated in a protective bubble with regular testing since last year, though protocols have been eased and fans allowed back at races in high numbers.

Russia's Nikita Mazepin out of Abu Dhabi GP after positive COVID-19 test

Russian rookie Nikita Mazepin accused Haas teammate Mick Schumacher of "cheeky" behaviour at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday and said the German had shown his true nature by breaking an agreement. 
 
Schumacher, son of Ferrari great and seven-times world champion Michael, suggested the Russian was making a drama out of nothing and he had been cleared to pass Mazepin before his final run. 
 
The spat was another headache for team boss Guenther Steiner, with Haas bottom of the standings and yet to score a point this season. 
 
Schumacher is a protege of engine partner Ferrari while Mazepin`s billionaire businessman father is the team`s title sponsor. 
 
Both drivers were summoned to stewards after qualifying for blocking Aston Martin`s Sebastian Vettel in the first phase, and were eventually cleared of wrongdoing. 
 
Mazepin had already publicly blamed his teammate by then, however. 
 
"He overtook, backed me up, and put me into Seb. I`ll have a word with the team to see why that happened," he told Sky Sports television. 
 
Speaking to reporters later, the Russian felt Schumacher had overturned a team agreement and wrecked his qualifying lap "on purpose". 
 
"I know my place in the team. I`ve got a team boss and I am more than happy to follow the rules because I think it`s very important to be a team. One day the rules will play towards you, one day the rules will play against you," he said. 
 
"What I don`t like with people is when they are cheeky, fighting for P19 (19th place). I think it just shows their true nature and I don`t tolerate that." 
 
Schumacher, speaking separately to reporters, recognised Mazepin was "quite vocal about things in the press." 
 
Steiner said it would not be the last time the drivers disagreed. 
 
"It`s difficult, especially this year with fighting at the back. Your only fight is with your teammate, in our case at the moment. 
 
"So obviously it is a little bit more heated, because the only thing you can win is the team mates` battle."

Russian rookie Nikita Mazepin accused Haas teammate Mick Schumacher of "cheeky" behaviour at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday and said the German had shown his true nature by breaking an agreement.

Russian rookie Nikita Mazepin accused Haas teammate Mick Schumacher of "cheeky" behaviour at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday and said the German had shown his true nature by breaking an agreement. Schumacher, son of Ferrari great and seven-times world champion Michael, suggested the Russian was making a drama out of nothing and he had been cleared to pass Mazepin before his final run. The spat was another headache for team boss Guenther Steiner, with Haas bottom of the standings and yet to score a point this season. Schumacher is a protege of engine partner Ferrari while Mazepin`s billionaire businessman father is the team`s title sponsor. Both drivers were summoned to stewards after qualifying for blocking Aston Martin`s Sebastian Vettel in the first phase, and were eventually cleared of wrongdoing. Mazepin had already publicly blamed his teammate by then, however. "He overtook, backed me up, and put me into Seb. I`ll have a word with the team to see why that happened," he told Sky Sports television. Speaking to reporters later, the Russian felt Schumacher had overturned a team agreement and wrecked his qualifying lap "on purpose". "I know my place in the team. I`ve got a team boss and I am more than happy to follow the rules because I think it`s very important to be a team. One day the rules will play towards you, one day the rules will play against you," he said. "What I don`t like with people is when they are cheeky, fighting for P19 (19th place). I think it just shows their true nature and I don`t tolerate that." Schumacher, speaking separately to reporters, recognised Mazepin was "quite vocal about things in the press." Steiner said it would not be the last time the drivers disagreed. "It`s difficult, especially this year with fighting at the back. Your only fight is with your teammate, in our case at the moment. "So obviously it is a little bit more heated, because the only thing you can win is the team mates` battle."

Formula One: Angry Mazepin turns on 'cheeky' team mate Schumacher

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Former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin removed from EU sanctions list

Formula One: US-owned Haas squad break ties with Russian racer Nikita Mazepin

Russia's Nikita Mazepin out of Abu Dhabi GP after positive COVID-19 test

Formula One: Angry Mazepin turns on 'cheeky' team mate Schumacher