It’s been reported by Auto Motor und Sport that Formula 1 are “concerned” that Nikita Mazepin’s father could be linked to Hitech GP’s proposed F1 entry, something which could see the governing body “pull the plug” on their entry.
Hitech GP are aiming to join the grid in either 2025 or 2026, with the side waiting to see if their application has been accepted by the FIA.
It’s been speculated that the FIA are set to give the Formula 2 and Formula 3 side the green-light, along with Andretti-Cadillac.
This would see the grid expand to 24 cars as soon as 2025, when Andretti in particular are planning on making their debut.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Hitech GP have confirmed that they’ll remain in the feeder categories if their application is successful, according to Formula Scout.
However, questions have been asked over who’s behind the team’s new 25% owner.
Hitech GP have recently sold 25% of their team to Vladimir Kim, a mining billionaire from Kazakhstan.
“Hitech will always be doing what it’s doing (in F2 and F3),” said Oakes, as reported by Grandpx.news. “That’s always been the vision.”
F1 is believed to be sceptical over the new owner though, given that Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, used to be one of Hitech GP’s owners.
There are slight “suspicions” that the ex-Haas driver’s father could be linked to Kim, and that “Russian money” might even be involved.
If found to be true, Hitech GP’s potential entry will likely be revoked by the governing body.
Mazepin and his father are both currently sanctioned by several western European countries, due to Dmitry’s links to the Russian president.
READ: Lando Norris disappoints his fans
“Formula 1 is concerned that the old owner Dmitry Mazepin might still be behind the Kazakh financiers,” said Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt.
“If there is even the slightest suspicion that Russian money could be involved, the FIA could also pull the plug,” he added.
F1 and the FIA have taken a strict approach to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, with the likes of Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman having switched his nationality to Israeli so that he could continue to compete in FIA-governed championships.