Image Credits - Sky Sports
Earlier on Saturday, Formula 1 team Haas said that they have parted ways with Russian racecar driver Nikita Mazepin
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Haas has announced their split with Russian race car driver Nikita Mazepin. It is now unclear who will replace Mazepin at Haas for the upcoming season which begins at the end of this month. The team also cut ties with Russian sponsor, fertilizer company Uralkali.
Mazepin’s contract was terminated with immediate effect which means that no Russian drivers will be participating in F1 this year. Nikita’s father Dmitry is also no longer associated with the team. Dmitry reportedly met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week to discuss sanctions placed on the country following the invasion of Ukraine.
A statement from the Haas team read, “Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”
The FIA had previously kept the possibility open for Russian and Belarussian drivers to take part in F1 this year. This meant that Mazepin was on course to race for Haas. However, the decision from Haas means that no Russian drivers will be on the grid in 2022.
It is believed that Mazepin’s replacement will be announced by the end of next week. The new driver is expected to partner with Mick Schumacher for the first race of the season in Bahrain.
Mazepin later took to social media to react to the decision made by the team. The 23-year-old driver said that he was willing to agree to the new conditions and continue racing for Haas. However, Mazepin explained that the promises were ‘completely ignored’ by Haas.
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