JAKARTA - Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin followed his father, Dmitry, on a European Union sanctions blacklist on Wednesday after being sacked from the Haas team last week following his country's invasion of Ukraine.
This means Mazepin, 23, cannot compete in the race even though his contract is not yet up.
The Russian driver spoke to reporters in a video broadcast from Moscow, criticizing Haas and announcing a foundation set up to support athletes prevented from competing because of war or politics.
The EU's official journal describes Belarus-born billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, who has funded his son's racing career, as a "closest member" of President Vladimir Putin.
It is also said that Nikita Mazepin is a person associated with the main businessman (his father) who is involved in the economic sector that provides a substantial source of income for the Government of the Russian Federation.
Speaking to reporters, Nikita said he should be able to compete in a neutral capacity according to FIA regulations.
However, when asked three times how he could be neutral given his father's apparent relationship with the Kremlin, Mazepin avoided answering the question.
The chemical fertilizer company Uralkali, which is owned by his father, was the main sponsor of the Haas team before the American team stripped the brand of all associated brands during pre-season testing in Barcelona and ended their partnership.
Haas also announced Wednesday that they have re-signed their former driver Kevin Magnussen of Denmark as a replacement for Mazepin.
Mazepin said the "We Compete as One" foundation would be funded with money that should have been used to sponsor Haas. There were no financial details or comments from his former team.
Mazepin also said he had no contact with his former boss or partner Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael.
"In a situation like this you can see the true faces of everyone around you," said Mazepin, adding other drivers including George Russell and Charles Leclerc sent him a "very simple" message.
"They know how important this sport is to them, to their lives. They know how I feel about missing this opportunity to compete," said Mazepin. "No politics. Just personal. Keep calm."
"That's just what I believe is what a good human being should be."
He did not discuss war and politics, but said in his opening remarks that he had friends and relations on both sides.
The foundation, which follows the name of F1's "We Race as One" initiative in promoting diversity and equality, will begin its activities helping to send Russian athletes home at the Paralympics from Beijing.
"This foundation will allocate resources... to those athletes who have spent their lives preparing for the Olympics or Paralympics or other top events only to find themselves barred from competing and collectively penalized for the passports they hold." said Mazepin.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls "Special Military Operations", has led to a hail of sanctions imposed on its ally Belarus as well.
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