A race-car driver from Russia, Nikita Mazepin, is taking legal action against Canada, claiming that the sanctions imposed on him after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are unjustly harming his career. Mazepin, who used to drive for Formula One, is seeking a court order from the Federal Court, directing Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly to immediately remove him from the Canadian sanctions list. If that’s not possible, he’s asking for a decision on his application to be taken off the list within five days. Mazepin wants the court to grant interim relief that would enable him to participate in racing activities in Canada. The driver and his father, businessman Dmitry Mazepin, were among 14 individuals added to Canada’s sanctions list on the same day last May because they were considered oligarchs, family members, or close associates of the Russian regime. According to the court application filed by Mazepin, the sanctions are crippling his ability to take part in racing events in Canada or do business with Canadians. The sanctions reduce his chances of returning to the Formula One circuit next year, the application alleges. Mazepin became a Formula One driver in early 2021, joining the Haas team as one of its two drivers. However, in March 2022, he ended his agreement with the team for the coming season. Shortly after, the European Union imposed sanctions against Mazepin, but a court has since granted interim relief allowing him to continue his career in the EU. Nonetheless, negotiations for the 2024 F1 season are approaching, making the case urgent, according to the court application. If Mazepin is unable to participate in the next F1 season, it will be nearly impossible for him to be recruited again as an F1 driver or as a driver in other motorsport championships, the application adds. Global Affairs Canada, which is responsible for imposing sanctions in the country, has declined to comment on the case while it is before the Federal Court.