F1 billionaire wild child Nikita Mazepin now and latest links to Ryan Reynolds' team

Former Formula One star Nikita Mazepin has been absent from the sport's grand circuits for more than two years. The progeny of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita saw his career with Haas come to an abrupt end in March 2022 after Russia's incursion into Ukraine led to his dismissal and subsequent sanctions by the European Union - effectively barring his return to F1.

Despite not securing a seat with another Formula 1 team since then, the 25-year-old has been sharpening his racing prowess in other arenas. Yet, with the lifting of sanctions earlier this year, speculation is rife about Mazepin's potential comeback to the high-octane world of F1.

But what exactly has the young driver been up to since his exit from the limelight? And what led to the reversal of his EU sanctions? Here, the Express looks into the life of Mazepin...

The Billionaire's Boy

Mazepin's entry into F1 was anything but ordinary; unlike his peers from humbler beginnings, he was propelled into the elite racing league thanks to the financial backing of his billionaire father, earning him the label of a "pay driver". Dmitry Mazepin, a heavyweight in the business realm with a staggering net worth of approximately $2.4 billion (£1.83bn) as reported by Forbes, owes much of his fortune to the establishment of the chemical giant Uralchem in 2007.

Nikita, infamous for his controversial conduct both on and off the circuit, got entangled in a notorious altercation with fellow racer Callum Ilott during their stint in the European Formula 3 championship, following which he was slammed with a one-race suspension by the FIA for unsportsmanlike antics.

The Russian, who had been a test driver for Sahara Force India and taken part in a Mercedes test before his break at Haas, took part in 21 F1 races but never scored a point.

Let go by Haas

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mazepin's position with Haas for the 2022 F1 World Championship came to an abrupt end; both his racing contract and the team's sponsorship deal with Uralkali were scrapped on March 5. The Russian expressed dismay, deeming the punitive sports sanctions as emblematic of "cancel culture" targeted at his homeland.

Reflecting the disquiet of the racing world, Haas released a statement, announcing: "Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. 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 vowed after his contract terminated that he would sue Haas for unpaid wages. Stepping in for the ousted Mazepin, Kevin Magnussen took up the Haas mantle in the 2022 series, clinching a 13th-place season finish. His colleague Mick Schumacher followed closely behind in 16th. Despite a rocky start, Magnussen remains with Haas, holding 17th place in the 2024 ranks, though with only six points secured thus far.

Le Mans and Silk Way

After leaving Haas, Mazepin established the Jordanian-British racing team 99 Racing in 2022. He competed in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2023 alongside Ahmad Al Harthy and Louis Deletraz in the LMP2 category, securing victories at the Sepang circuit in round one and the Dubai circuit in round three.

In addition to this, Mazepin participated in Rally Raid in 2022 a motorsport event that involves off-road vehicles and motorcycles competing in cross-country and baja rallies. His debut was at the Lagoda Trophy in June of that year, and he went on to win the Silk Way Rally the next month, driving a Can-Am T3 for Snag Racing.

Although scheduling issues prevented him from participating in the 2023 Silk Way event, he made a comeback for the Denis Davydov Baja this year, earning a second-place finish for his efforts.

Sanctions abolished, a possible F1 return?

F1 sanctions were lifted against Mazepin in May this year, paving the way for a potential return to F1. The European Union had initially imposed sanctions on a select group of Vladimir Putin's closest allies, including Mazepin's father, who had been a significant financial contributor to the Russian government as the general director of Uralchem.

Earlier this year, a court ruled that Mazepin's removal from Haas F1 Team did not justify his continued presence on the EU's list of sanctioned individuals, stating that mere family connections do not suffice for sanctions criteria. Following the verdict, Mazepin expressed his relief: "I am hugely encouraged by today's ruling and grateful to the European Court for a fair trial of my case. This is certainly a crucial milestone."

The ousted driver also took to social media to announce: "742 days of life under sanctions. We are finally back," igniting speculation about his potential comeback in the 2025 season. He was linked with a surprise move to Alpine - a team Ryan Reynolds has a stake in - this summer amid rumours of a merger with the Hitech Grand Prix junior team due to Renault allocating its Viry engine base to projects outside of F1.

New team leader of Hitech, Oliver Oakes, has worked with Mazepin in Formula 2 and Formula 3 in the past - and the relationship between the two could bring the Russian to the team. However, Mazepin won't be joining Alpine anytime soon as reserve driver Jack Doohan will be partnering Estaban Ocon for 2025. The Russian also faces several hurdles if he aims to make an F1 return.

His lacklustre performance during his stint at Haas could cast doubt on his racing prowess, as he finished at the bottom in the 2021 season far behind teammate Mick Schumacher and reserve driver Robert Kubica. In the 21 races of the 2021 season, Mazepin recorded five DNFs and his highest achievement was a 14th place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.