Ex-Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin says the sanctions that have been imposed on him and other Russian athletes is “cancel culture”.
The Haas F1 team parted ways with Mazepin last month, as well as title sponsor Uralkali, which is owned by Mazepin’s father Dmitry.
The move came about following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has been condemned by many world leaders.
Shortly after his Haas sacking, Mazepin, as well as his father, were added to a list of individuals sanctioned by the European Union due to their connection to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Mazepin also announced that he was launching a foundation called WeCompeteAsOne, which he says will be aimed at athletes that have “been blocked from competing for political reasons”.
In an interview with BBC News, Mazepin iterated that he doesn’t concur with the sanctions that have been imposed on him.
“I don’t agree with being in the sanctions,” he said. “I’ve said before I agree to fight it.
“Perhaps now is not the right time. If you look at the whole situation that is happening against athletes in the general case, it’s cancel culture against my country.”
With the war in Ukraine still ongoing, Mazepin refused to provide his personal viewpoint of the situation.
“I live in the same world as you but it’s very painful to watch that [the war] on many levels,” he said.
“My feelings, they obviously changed as a human being and as a person that wants to live in a peaceful world.
“But I will be honest with you, I just see tremendous risks in saying anything at all about this case because I will never satisfy everyone. And therefore I will keep myself publicly quiet.”
Mazepin was replaced at Haas by Kevin Magnussen, who returned to F1 following a year’s absence in 2021.
Seems mor like Russia is trying to “cancel” Ukraine!
Boy, you can get rid of you Russian citizenship and your father’s money, and continue racing 😉
Mazepin you’re a shitty driver; and if you have anything to say tell your asshole leader to fuck off.
yes it is cancel culture
Russians are CANCELLING. Ukrainians by killing and raping them, destroying their homes and hpspitals
for no real reason
Without Putin the Mazepins would be peasants
Mazepin’s attitude to women and this are of a spoilt brat
Thst hea was a fanger on the track as way out of his depth and arrogantly refusing to let people lap him means he is no loss to F!