Nikita Mazepin might make a dramatic return to F1 amid swirling rumors of a merger between Alpine and Hitech Grand Prix.
- The future of Alpine’s F1 team is in question, with Renault considering shifting its focus away from the sport.
- Bruno Famin steps down as Alpine’s team principal, hinting at strategic changes within the team.
- Hitech, backed by investors including Dmitry Mazepin, seeks an entry into F1 despite past rejections by the FIA.
- Nikita Mazepin’s recent wins in the Asian Le Mans Series boost his prospects, although challenges remain.
Nikita Mazepin, previously with Haas in the 2021 F1 season, is back in the spotlight. Talks suggest that he might return to Formula 1 as Alpine considers merging with Hitech Grand Prix. This potential merger could see the revival of Mazepin’s racing career, especially given the uncertain future of Alpine under Renault, which plans to repurpose its Viry engine base.
The changes at Alpine are significant, with Bruno Famin, the team’s principal, stepping down. His departure marks the start of a shift towards customer engine supplies ahead of the 2026 changes in F1 regulations. This move is widely viewed as a preliminary step towards Renault selling the Alpine team due to its inability to dominate since re-acquiring it in 2015.
Oliver Oakes’ appointment as Alpine’s new team principal adds another layer to the unfolding drama. Known for his management prowess in junior categories, Oakes is rumored to play a pivotal role in orchestrating the merger between Alpine and Hitech. With Kazakh billionaire Vladimir Kim investing in Hitech, and Oakes mentoring Mazepin’s son in karting, the pieces seem to align for a potential entry into F1 via Alpine.
Nikita Mazepin, a notable figure in this potential shakeup, has a history with Hitech in Formula 3 and Formula 2. Despite a 2021 F1 season that saw him score no points, he’s been boosting his profile with notable performances in the Asian Le Mans Series. However, a hurdle remains: his F1 super licence, crucial for competing at motorsport’s highest level, is currently inactive.
Mazepin’s comeback hopes were fueled after successfully overturning EU sanctions in March. His racing comeback in 2023 with the LMP2 class and subsequent wins in 2024 highlight his enduring talent. Still, the road back to F1 is fraught with obstacles, not least the challenge of reacquiring his super licence.
Nikita Mazepin’s potential return to F1 is a thrilling prospect in a rapidly evolving motorsport landscape.
