Decision of the General Court of the European Union
The General Court of the European Union (CJEU) has decided to annul the sanctions imposed on Nikita Mazepin, a Russian racing driver, arguing that they are not justified solely by his family ties with his father, businessman Dimitri Mazepin, linked to the Kremlin.
Reasons for the decision
The court, based in Luxembourg, has accepted the appeal brought by Mazepin, which questions the justification of the European sanctions that were imposed on the pilot in March 2022. The sanctions were issued because of his relationship with his father, who was the main sponsor of his sports career.
Argumentation of the court
In its resolution, the TGUE has considered that the association criterion requires a demonstrated economic relationship beyond family ties. It must be an economic link verifiable through specific and consistent indicators.
Lack of proof of economic link
The judges have concluded that there is no evidence to demonstrate a financial relationship between father and son in terms of participation in business or common interests at the time of the sanctions, so they have chosen to annul them.
Reactions of Nikita Mazepin
After being fired from the Haas Formula 1 team because of his family connections and with sponsor Uralkali, linked to the Russian president’s family, Mazepin was disappointed. However, he was willing to compete as a neutral driver with the FIA.