Nikita Mazepin is adamant that his Formula 1 story isn't over, claiming he is "99 percent sure" he will make a return to the paddock someday, albeit possibly in a different role.
The Russian driver, who was ousted by Haas in early 2022 amid the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and subsequent sanctions, revealed he no longer follows F1 closely.
"This is because I have a certain trauma from the premature end of my career in Formula 1," he told Russian outlet autosport.com.ru. "The feelings I experience when watching the races is like watching your girlfriend talk with her new man."
Reflecting on his abrupt departure, the 25-year-old lamented the end of what he thought would be a long career in F1.
"I was among the top 20 drivers in the world, I had a 5-year contract with the Haas team, and I planned to spend at least 5 years in Formula 1 and achieve success there," Mazepin explained.
Recently, he has expressed doubts about ever returning to the grid but now hints that Formula 1 could still be in his future.
"Yes, unfortunately there will be no Formula 1 trophy on my shelf," he said. "I dreamed about this, and I lost it, but I found many other things, and it is not for me to judge which of these is more important."
Mazepin believes his next chapter in F1 may involve leveraging his business acumen rather than driving skills.
"I am definitely on the business path," he said. "I am 99 percent sure that you will see me again in Formula 1 – but there is a nuance to that. In what role, I will leave this to fate.
"But business meets all my existential needs at the moment," Mazepin added.
He noted that his entrepreneurial instincts are supported by both his family background and education.
"I believe there are two ways in life – either strengthen your strengths or work on your weaknesses. For now, I choose to strengthen my strengths," he said. "I have entrepreneurial genes by inheritance, plus education, plus a basis in sports."
