We Compete As One. It is not just a slogan, because it will soon be a foundation strongly desired by Nikita Mazepin and Uralkali. A reality that will have the task of supporting Russian and Belarusian athletes who are unable to compete in their respective categories for political reasons.
Nikita Mazepin saw his contract with the Haas F1 team terminate with immediate effect just a few days ago, due to the conflict that Russia sparked with Ukraine in the days when the first pre-season test session was underway. Formula 1 at Montmelò in Barcelona.
Uralkali, for the same reason, was ousted from the Haas sponsors for the 2022 season with immediate effect and, just today, announced in a press release to evaluate legal actions against the American team for what they called “unjustified unilateral choice of terminate the contract between the parties with immediate effect “.
Returning to the foundation, speaking in a videoconference held this morning, Mazepin gave the first details of this foundation: We Compete As One will be supported by funds from Uralkali. The former Haas title sponsor wants to ask for the money already given to Haas for the 2022 season and direct it to the new creature for athletes unable to compete.
“Haas’ decision was not based on any directive from the authority that governs the sport, or dictated by any sanctions that have been placed against me or my father, or his company,” said the former Haas driver. “And of course, I think what happened is not right.”
“But there is something more important here. I ask the question: is there no place for neutrality in sport? Does an athlete have the right not only to have an opinion, but to keep it out of public space? Should an athlete be punished for this? And do we want sport to become just another public square for protests and debates? “.
“We are all familiar with the cases where one country refuses to compete with another in the Olympics due to their political disagreements. We saw in the 1980s that a generation of athletes lost their dreams and the chance to compete at the highest level when the countries have started boycotting each other. “
“Do we want sport to be this? Or should sport be a way to unite people, even in the most difficult moments and, above all, in the most difficult moments? My experience of the last few days has made me think about all these questions”.
Mazepin explained that the foundation intends to provide financial and not financial support to athletes who cannot compete. This can include legal help to combat lawsuits, as well as mental health help.
“We all know that an athlete’s career is short and that it takes years of intense sacrifice to perform at the highest level. When that ultimate reward is taken away, it’s devastating. And no one thinks about what happens to these athletes next. .
“Also, I absolutely do not see F1 as a closed chapter for me. I intend to remain in condition to be able to compete and I will be ready to seize an opportunity, if it comes. And, at the moment, I only see F1. I do not see any other categories for it. me right now. “
“I have no plans to participate in different series and different championships. Now I will focus all my attention and my work on working with the foundation that I created. I really appreciated the small number of riders who contacted me: Perez, Bottas, Leclerc , Russell “.
“I would also like to add that I am grateful for their support, because on the long journey to F1 they too fought, risking losing their jobs. They are supporting me in this moment in which I have lost my dream and my seat.”
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Mazepin wanted to express some considerations: “I understand that the world is no longer what it was 2 weeks ago. And I understand it. For all of us it was a very painful moment. Those who do not live in this one. part of the world, or were not born here, will only see a part of it. Those of us in Russia or Ukraine see much more. “
“Like all of us, I have friends and family who, by necessity, have found themselves on both sides of this conflict. What we are discussing today is important in its own way, but nothing compared to what is happening in the larger picture. broad of things, “concluded Mazepin.
Last week the FIA, following an extraordinary World Council, decided that the Russian and Belarusian drivers who wanted to race in the categories sponsored by the Federation, should do so by pledging to sign a declaration with which to adhere to the desired principles of peace and political neutrality. by the FIA itself.
It is also forbidden for them to display flags and symbols referring to Russia and Belarus (with the former attacking Ukraine and the latter guaranteeing its support for Russia itself in this war operation). It is forbidden to play their national anthems until further notice. All these provisions entered into force with immediate effect, after the ratification of the members of the World Council.
In addition to the measures taken by the FIA, there are also numerous bans decided in a short time by the national federations. The first to decide to prevent Russian and Belarusian drivers from racing were those of Great Britain and Finland. Others, in the following days, followed their example.
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