Nikita Mazepin has declared his first participation in a major international event since being dropped from the Formula 1 lineup. He only worked with Haas for one season, and it was arguably a failure. Uralkali, that served as the team’s title sponsor, was also cut off. The decision was made following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. But now, the Russian driver will be seen competing in another motor sporting event.

At present, Mazepin has signed up to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates in February. Mazepin previously competed in the Silk Rally in his native Russia last year. Along with Felix Porteiro from Spain and Ben Barnicoat, a former McLaren youngster, he will be one of three drivers representing the 99 Racing team. They will participate in the series, which includes the 4 Hours of Dubai and 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi, by operating an ORECA 07 LMP2 prototype.

In an exclusive interview with motorsportweek, Mazepin said, “I am delighted to be making my return to racing in the Asian Le Mans Series. Together with my teammates at 99 Racing, I’m hoping to have a great experience competing in the sport I love.”

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But when it comes to Le Mans or rally driving, the Russian driver doesn’t want to devote his full attention to it. The 23-year-old also has aspirations of returning to the top of the motorsports world.

Nikita Mazepin aspires to make a comeback in Formula 1

Mazepin progressed from Formula 2 to F1 for the 2021 season. But since his father’s business signed a title sponsorship agreement with Haas, Mazepin had a difficult time persuading people that he was in the competition because of his own abilities. His situation was made worse by the Haas VF-21, which was possibly the slowest vehicle on the 2021 grid. Mazepin also had trouble keeping up with his fellow teammate Mick Schumacher throughout the majority of the season. Still, the Russian has undoubtedly not given up on his desire to drive in Formula 1 again in the future.

In a conversation with Tass, Mazepin said, “But I don’t see myself as a professional rally driver. Silk Way is a wonderful competition but for a non-rally driver to really prepare, you’d have to put everything else aside. I will also compete for myself in a new discipline outside of our country, but so far there are no signatures. So I can’t tell you about it. There is the desire, of course, to continue to compete in motorsport. My goal is to return to Formula 1 so that is the direction I will work in.”

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It will be interesting to see how the Russian driver performs in Le Mans. Do you believe that if he proves his mettle in other racing events, he might be given another chance to return to Formula 1? or is it the end of the road for Mazepin?