The EU Court canceled interim measures against racer Nikita Mazepin

The EU Court of Justice partially annulled interim measures against Russian racer Nikita Mazepin, it says at the disposal of the court.

The Council appealed the decision obliging it to take measures to issue Mazepin visas from EU member states, since the issuance of visas is within the competence of the EU member states themselves, and not the Council. In addition, interim measures can be taken against an already published act. Until this act is in place, interim measures cannot be taken, clarifies portal Pravo.ru.

“The order of the President of the General Court of the European Union in the case of Mazepin v. Council is quashed. The case is returned to the General Court of the European Union,” it says in the document.

Nikita Mazepin and his father Dmitry Mazepin (controlling shareholder of the Russian company “Uralkali” – the title sponsor of the Haas team, for which Mazepin Jr. competed in Formula 1) fell under EU sanctions in March 2022. The EU Council, motivating the decision, called Mazepin Jr. an “individual” who is the son of an “influential businessman”, “representing a significant source of revenue for the government of the Russian Federation”.

2 March 2023 EU Court of Justice suspended part of the sanctions against Mazepin Jr. He was allowed to enter into contracts with sponsors, provided that they were not associated with Mazepin Sr., and to enter the territory of the European Union to compete in competitions under a neutral flag. However, on March 10, the EU Council extended the sanctions. The driver’s lawyers filed a new statement in court. The EU Court again took Mazepin’s side.

July 31 Mazepin Jr. again achieved partial suspension of restrictive measures through the EU Court: retained the right to enter the European Union for negotiations with teams and sponsors. He was also allowed to earn income from racing activities.

Mazepin competed in Formula 1 in 2021. In his only season with Haas, he finished 21st (last) overall without scoring any points. In March 2022, before the first race of the new season, Haas unilaterally terminated the contract with Mazepin and also abandoned the sponsorship deal with Uralkali.