Formula 1: Scandal before Mazepin returns

He is a person with loads of gas! When the Asian Le Mans Series season kicks off in Dubai on February 11, he’ll be there too: Russian motorsport driver Nikita Mazepin.

A yr after retiring from Formula 1, Mick Schumacher’s controversial former team-mate on the US Haas racing group is making a spectacular return to the circuit. (DATA: Formula 1 race calendar)

Mazepin’s return might be staged by the 500bhp Oreca-Gibson LMP2 from Team 99 Racing – with loads of early reward.

“Obviously for Nikita it is a chance to attempt one thing new in a extra skilled however extra relaxed surroundings than what he is used to in Formula 1,” stated sporting director Dan Hodder. “We’ve seen his drive and need to be aggressive proper from the beginning.” (NEWS: All present details about Formula 1)

Let us remind you that Mazepin’s Formula 1 profession ended abruptly when Russia invaded Ukraine. And not simply because the 23-year-old and his rich father, Dmitry – an in depth confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin – are on the EU’s sanctions listing.

Since then, as a rookie first-class participant, there was a hush-hush in regards to the terrifying child, who indulged in a number of brawls, harmful maneuvers and quite a few altercations, and in late 2020 was filmed sexually assaulting him. a younger girl.

“I need to return to Formula 1. That’s why I hold myself bodily match,” Mazepin advised Russian media final September. However, curiosity in Formula 1 was restricted and restricted.

After all, in 2022, Mazepin took half within the Silk Road rally held in Russia.

Now the restart, the controversial driver is again behind the wheel: “I’m joyful to be doing the game I like once more,” stated the Russian, whose teammates are Spaniard Felix Porteiro and ex-McLaren check driver Ben Barnicoat.

By the way in which, whoever wins the Asian Le Mans Series in February 2023, which incorporates 4 hours of racing in Dubai (11/12) and Abu Dhabi (18/19), will get a beginning place within the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Also in Asia: former Formula 1 driver Paul di Resta.

More than twenty former Formula 1 drivers are nonetheless energetic in racing. (UPDATE: Reasons for Mazepin’s exit from F1)

Last weekend, for instance, ten drivers with GP expertise began on the 24 Hours of Daytona, reminiscent of Sebastian Vettel’s former Toro Rosso common companion Sebastien Bourdais or Romain Grosjean.

Twelve former Formula 1 drivers have been confirmed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, together with Jacques Villeneuve within the high hypercar class, in addition to ex-champions Jenson Button and Andre Lotterer from Germany.

Four former Formula 1 drivers are registered with IndyCar, together with Takuma Sato. There have been instances when half the Formula E area was stuffed with F1 stars. It’s nonetheless six.

Many well-known former Formula 1 stars are nonetheless with no cockpit, however need to get again behind the wheel. For instance, GP winners Giancarlo Fisichella and Juan-Pablo Montoya.

An fascinating query is whether or not Mazepin can now provide himself for larger duties.