F1 Reject Hides Behind ‘Noble Cause’ to Threaten Return Despite Steiner’s ‘Would Do It Again’ Insult

The younger a racing driver is, the higher their vitality. Though this is true in most cases, Fernando Alonso has proven it wrong. But what about the constructors? Haas is the newest team to enter F1 yet they have shown very minimal signs of being on the attack. And to add to the woes of Team Principal Guenther Steiner, Lady Luck doesn’t seem interested in them either. Moreover, after the recent insult of an ex-F1 driver, the latter has come back with a strong response.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a result, Russian athletes were disallowed by the governing bodies of international sports to participate in any sporting events and had their careers put on hold. In Formula 1, Haas‘ Russian sponsor Uralkali, and driver Nikita Mazepin, were ousted on the same basis.

Looking back on that decision, in an episode of the Track Limits podcast, the Haas F1 boss said, “I’m always happy when I can say after a year or two – ‘I would do the same thing now’.” With such a bold statement made by him and putting into perspective that Russian athletes have now been given the green flag to participate in certain international events 2024-onwards, Mazepin has threatened his return to F1.

Expressing his relief and a desire to make a comeback, Mazepin posted on Instagram: “Important decisions were made in world sports regarding Russian athletes the other day. Next year, our badminton players will be allowed to participate in international competitions, athletes from Russia will compete at the Sambo World Cup, and the e-sports industry (which, by the way, did not exclude our athletes from competing), as one of the youngest and most progressive, allowed Russian athletes to perform under our flag. The trend is obvious – doors to Russian sport are opening. I hope we will get to this everywhere soon. In the meantime, we continue to help athletes from different countries who have been suspended for non-sporting reasons.”

It is not just the competitions that Mazepin has mentioned that are letting Russians participate. The biggest announcement has been made by French President Emmanuel Macron, permitting them to take part in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Read More: “I Didn’t Talk to Him” – Guenther Steiner Affirms Nikita Mazepin’s Harsh Haas F1 Sacking

Nikita Mazepin’s efforts come to fruition as French President Emmanuel Macron makes a progressive decision for the 2024 Paris Olympics

Nikita Mazepin had set up a foundation to support faultless Russian sportspersons after the Ukraine conflict proved as an obstacle with their careers taking the hit. His efforts have finally seen the light of the day. Despite disallowing the Russian Flag to be waved at the event, Emmanuel Macron has opened the doors for Russian athletes for 2024.

“We’re glad we were heard,” said Mazepin, as quoted by SportsMole. “It is important for Russian athletes to remain part of the Olympic movement and continue to participate in international competitions. But especially in the Olympics. Athletes should be judged by their results, which they pursue for all of their lives.”

The war between the neighboring countries still goes on. But at least, the residents who have nothing to do with the nation’s aggressive actions have gotten a chance to breathe a sigh of relief.

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