One of Russia's richest families, the Mazepin clan, is once again moving into the Formula 1 paddock. And this despite sanctions from the EU.
The Mazepin family, one of Russia's richest, has once again appeared in Formula 1.
Dmitry Mazepin, a businessman and Haas' former main sponsor through fertilizer giant Uralkali, has been seen in the Formula 1 pit for the first time since 2022.
The Russian businessman, who is on the EU's sanctions list, was seen on Wednesday at the Bahrain International Motorsports Circuit, where tests were being held before the actual season begins.
The Russian's presence has raised several questions. First, how he gained access to the runway at all, given that he is banned from traveling through European airspace.
However, Bahrain is not subject to those restrictions.
Russians can't get all their Formula 1 money back
PlanetF1 writes that the rich Russian went around with an accreditation in the form of a so-called 'rotation pass' – a form of admission ticket to the paddock that does not have to be directly approved by either the Formula 1 organization, the FIA or the track owners.
The wealthy Russian is interesting enough for his place in the paddock, while his son, former Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, has been notified that the EU is lifting the sanctions against him.
However, it is unclear whether father Mazepin has any ambitions to see his offspring in a Formula 1 racer again, or whether the visit was of a more personal nature.
Mazepin's company Uralkali was previously in conflict with Haas after the Russians demanded all sponsorship money for 2022 be returned.
However, an arbitration award ruled that Haas only had to repay the portion of the sponsorship money that was used to cover expenses after the breakup with the Russians.
The Mazepin people were kicked out immediately before the start of the season, but Nikita Mazepin shortened all tests leading up to the season.
Mazepin was observed in Alpine's guest area, but the team denied that he was and is their guest. He was later linked to Mercedes. But here too, they deny any connection with or to the Russian.
Although no one will take responsibility, he has apparently been given a paddock pass, which is issued by Formula 1 teams or via official accreditation. The question is – who in Formula 1 has opened the door for the rich Russians?
It is still unclear whether Mazepin's presence was a one-off, or the beginning of a Russian comeback in Formula One.
