The F1 team have taken the stern decision following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Haas cars have previously run with a Russian flag livery. The livery included Uralkali stickers owing to the sponsorship deal between Haas and the Russian company. Their driver Nikita Mazepin is the son of Uralkali owner Dmitry Mazepin. The decision to drop the chief sponsor from the livery of the cars comes as a result of the Ukraine crisis. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been criticized throughout the world.
Haas are currently having their pre season camp in Barcelona. Their cars will run in an all-white livery on the final day of testing. Haas are based in the United States with their European base in the United Kingdom. Both the countries are currently at loggerheads with Russia over the present situation.
The world hasn’t taken the Russian invasion of Ukraine lightly. Numerous sanctions have already been issued. Sporting events like the UEFA Champions League final will be shifted from the Russian city of St. Petersburg to Paris, France. Public figures from other sports like Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina and footballers Ruslan Malinovskiy and Oleksandr Zinchenko have already condemned this attack in public. There have been several reactions from Formula one.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen has openly called for the Russian Grand Prix to be cancelled. It is scheduled to be hosted on September 25 in Sochi. “When a country is at war, it’s not right to race there”, said Verstappen.
Four-time championship winner, Germany’s Sebastian Vettel has expressed his anger over the incident. The racer stated he would boycott the Russian Grand Prix if it takes place.
We will have to wait to get an official word from the Formula One authorities. It will be interesting to see how things eventually turn out.
More F1 News
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates
