Dmitry Mazepin's Bahrain F1 test appearance sparks speculation

Dominika Jordan
Feb 28, 2025, 10:50 AM ET

BAHRAIN - The Formula 1 paddock buzzed with curiosity and speculation on Friday, following the unexpected appearance of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin during the pre-season test in Bahrain.

Dmitry Mazepin's appearance sparks speculation in the Bahrain F1 paddock.

Mazepin, whose company Uralkali served as the title sponsor for the Haas F1 team during 2021 and early 2022, was seen accompanied by his younger son, Stefan. This sponsorship included a contract for his son Nikita Mazepin to drive for Haas. However, the partnership was abruptly terminated in early 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

While Nikita Mazepin is banned from competing under the Russian flag, neither Dmitry nor Nikita have been prohibited from accessing the paddock, provided they have the appropriate credentials. The intrigue surrounding Dmitry's visit intensified as no team or Formula 1 entity claimed responsibility for granting him access.

Paddock entry typically requires a pass issued by teams or the governing bodies – Formula 1 and the FIA. The most plausible candidate, Alpine, denied issuing the pass, as did Mercedes and Haas, both of whom had prior connections with the Mazepins. Formula 1 and the FIA also distanced themselves from the situation.

A representative for Dmitry Mazepin told ESPN, "Dmitry was on a personal visit. He has remained friends with many people in the Formula 1 family and was happy to see them in Bahrain." However, the representative did not disclose who provided the paddock pass.

Mazepin's appearance is particularly intriguing given the ongoing speculation about Alpine, Renault's F1 team, possibly being sold. Changes have already been initiated at Renault in anticipation of such a move, including bringing back former team boss Flavio Briatore to oversee the long-term future and announcing a stop to F1 engine manufacturing beyond 2025. Additionally, Alpine has secured a customer deal for the upcoming season.

Close Mazepin associate Ollie Oakes, who was appointed as team boss last year and previously worked with Uralkali-backed Hitech, was seen in the paddock. When asked about Mazepin's presence, Oakes responded, "Yes. I've said hello to him, I haven't met him. Yes, he's a friend of mine, yes I used to be together with him in Hitech. He was here catching up with another friend of his. It's nice to see him. I'm not going to go into that, the world's a crazy place."

Given the current boom period for F1, Mazepin remains one of the few individuals capable of financing the purchase of a team. Investments in Alpine during the 2023 season have led to valuations nearing $900 million, with Sportico estimating the value could rise to $1.5 billion by this year.

As speculation continues to swirl, the mystery surrounding Dmitry Mazepin's paddock access in Bahrain remains unsolved, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming 2023 F1 season.