Four years after F1 exit, Mazepin makes statement on racing return

Former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin returned to competitive action this weekend in the Spezial Tourenwagen Trophy (STT), getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Spa-Francorchamps. The Russian immediately made his mark on his comeback, topping Friday's practice session and securing pole position for Saturday's opening race.

Mazepin's return to competitive racing comes just weeks after the FIA eased the restrictions imposed on Russian and Belarusian drivers following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this month, motorsport's governing body removed the requirement for drivers from the two countries to compete under a neutral flag and sign a commitment to neutrality, meaning they can once again race under their national identity. The measures had been introduced in 2022, the same year Mazepin lost his Formula 1 seat with Haas, although Russian and Belarusian drivers had remained eligible to compete internationally under specific conditions.

The World Motor Sport Council's decision read: "Russian and Belarusian drivers, national teams, individual competitors and officials are allowed to participate in international/zone competitions without any restrictions. The requirement of signing a commitment to neutrality no longer applies.

Photo: Race Pictures

"The display of Russian and Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (uniform, equipment and car), and the playing of their anthems are permitted at international/zone competitions. No international/zone competition to take place on the territory of Russia and Belarus, until further notice."

The FIA further added: "For the avoidance of doubt, the participation of Russian and Belarusian drivers, competitors and officials in a given country remains subject to compliance with any applicable transnational, national and local laws.

"The FIA continues to carefully monitor the events in Ukraine and reserves the right to take any further actions or implement further measures in the future, including any necessary actions required to comply with its obligations under any applicable sanctions regime and/or any contracts to which the FIA is a party."

Mazepin wasted little time getting back up to speed at Spa-Francorchamps, topping the STT's only Friday practice session on his first weekend back behind the wheel. The Motopark driver produced a 2:16.618 in his Mercedes-AMG GT3, with the session also setting the grid for today's first race.

His benchmark proved comfortably out of reach for the rest of the field. Thomas Amweg came closest with a 2:20.778 at the wheel of a Duqueine D-08 LMP3, leaving him 4.160 seconds behind Mazepin. The sizeable advantage handed the former F1 driver pole position for the opening race of his return to international competition.