In an unfortunate turn of events, Nikita Mazepin, alongside his teammates Louis Deletraz and Ahmad Al Harthy, has had to step aside for the final two races of the Asian Le Mans Series at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Mazepin’s 99 Racing outfit started the season with two impressive victories out of the first three four-hour races. However, due to illness, Mazepin will be unable to take part in the upcoming races, putting his team’s championship aspirations at risk.
Mazepin’s absence from the races was confirmed after he reported feeling unwell on Wednesday morning. As a result, he was advised to stay away from the circuit while the team prepared for the weekend. Later in the evening, it became clear that Mazepin might not be able to participate in the remaining events. Faced with this unexpected setback, 99 Racing acted swiftly and reached out to Filipe Albuquerque, who happened to be present at the circuit. Thanks to the goodwill and support of the racing community, Albuquerque will step in to cover for Mazepin in the upcoming races.
The priority for 99 Racing and Mazepin himself is a speedy recovery. Mazepin’s illness came at a crucial point in the season, with the team leading the LMP2 standings and vying for a guaranteed entry into the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. However, given the circumstances, it is essential to prioritize Mazepin’s health over championship ambitions. The team wishes him a swift recovery and will now shift their focus to the remaining sessions leading into the weekend.
Prior to Mazepin’s setback, 99 Racing had been enjoying a successful season. They started off with a victory in the shortened opening round at Sepang, where heavy rain forced the race to end prematurely. In the second leg of the Malaysian double-header, they secured a second-place finish before clinching another win in Dubai. This string of podium finishes and victories propelled them to a 20-point lead in the championship standings over their closest rivals, the Algarve Pro Racing trio.
Nikita Mazepin, known for his tenure in Formula 1 with the Haas team in 2021, had a mixed season in the premier motorsport series. Despite starting in 21 races, Mazepin’s best finish was 14th place in Baku. However, his F1 journey took an unexpected turn when he was replaced by Kevin Magnussen for the 2022 season following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Mazepin’s return to competition came in 2023 as part of the 99 team in the Asian Le Mans Series, where he showcased his skill and contributed to the team’s success.
While Mazepin’s absence from the remaining races of the Asian Le Mans Series is a setback for 99 Racing, the priority now lies in his recovery. The team’s successful start to the season, along with their decision to bring in Filipe Albuquerque as a replacement, reflects their dedication and determination. Mazepin’s racing journey has had its ups and downs, but his return to competition in the Asian LMS demonstrates his resilience and passion for motorsport. As fans and supporters, we can only hope for a swift recovery for Mazepin and eagerly anticipate his return to the racing circuit.
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