Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin is reportedly looking to buy a Formula One team to ensure his son, Nikita, has a place on the grid next season.
Netherlands-based F1 news publication GPBlog.com reports that Mazepin is especially interested in the Haas F1 team, claiming that he has tabled an offer “which few teams would refuse.”
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When approached for comment on the matter by Formula1News.co.uk, the Haas F1 team flatly rejected claims that its ownership is poised to change.
“The team is not for sale,” the American racing outfit told Formula1News.co.uk managing editor Suliman Mulhem on Thursday.
Nikita Mazepin, who currently sits sixth in the Formula Two Drivers’ Standings, is in a good position to qualify for a super licence at the end of the season, so he could make the jump to F1 provided he is able to find a team to race with.
In 2018, he finished second in the now-defunct GP3 Series and subsequently progressed to F2, but had a poor first year which saw him finish down in 18th place.
This isn’t the first time his father has been rumoured to be eyeing a takeover of a Formula One team, with previous reports suggesting he had an interest in buying the Renault F1 team, Williams Racing and Force India.
The latter was ultimately rescued by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, whose son, Lance, was signed by the team following the takeover.