From driver to boxer: ex-F1 driver Nikita Mazepin surprises by entering boxing (Instagram @nikita_mazepin)
Nikita Mazepin, former Russian Formula 1 driver, surprised everyone by announcing his entry into boxing, planning his first fight for the second half of 2025. At 25, he describes himself as a “hybrid athlete” because he also competes in superbike, rally-raids, and triathlon.
Mazepin gained attention by racing for Haas in 2021, but ended the season without scoring any points and faced criticism both for his performance and off-track controversies: the former driver was involved in reckless driving incidents and was caught inappropriately interacting with a woman in a video that was leaked on social media.
His contract with the Haas team was terminated in 2022 due to sanctions against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
After leaving F1, Mazepin tried to stay in motorsport, competing in the Asian Le Mans Series and rally-raids events. However, he decided to expand his challenges and focus on various sports, including boxing.
He has already shared training sessions with MMA world champion Nikolay Kaushansky and stated that his fight will be one of the most important moments of his new sports career. His entry into martial arts reflects Russia’s tradition in the sport and his search for new goals.
The announcement of his career shift has sparked varied reactions. While some see his reinvention as a positive move, others remember the controversies from his F1 past. Despite this new phase, Mazepin has not ruled out a return to racing and stated that he continues to train to stay competitive in case an opportunity arises.
Source: O Globo | Instagram @nikita_mazepin | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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