The crisis between Russia and Ukraine put Nikita Mazepin’s presence at the start of the 2022 World Cup at risk. During the Barcelona tests, Haas promptly made the decision to remove all references to the sponsor Uralkali and the Russian flag from the car, while Mazepin he continued the planned work with the team, however canceling the meetings with the media.
Nikita Mazepin, Haas VF-22
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Team principal Gunther Steiner clarified that no decision can be considered official before the meetings between the legal offices of the parties involved, but hinted that at the moment the relationship between Haas and the Russian partners, both financial and Mazepin himself, will be subject to evaluations.
“There are no guarantees from any of the parties involved – explained Steiner – because in this scenario it is not entirely up to us, governments are involved and we have no power on this front. We have to wait and see how the situation will develop, it is an obstacle that suddenly appeared on the road that we did not expect ”.
According to information collected in the Barcelona paddock, the owner of the team, Gene Haas, seems willing to close all relations with the Russian front: it is a position that, in addition to having an impact on the financial front (but here Steiner has reassured everyone on the total stability of the programs of the team) will involve the choice of a driver to be able to take to the track already in the next tests in Bahrain.
Yesterday Steiner did not deny having considered every scenario, indicating Pietro Fittipaldi (the team’s third driver for three years) as the first option that will be evaluated. The 25-year-old Brazilian has already competed in two Grands Prix with Haas two years ago, when he was called to replace Romain Grosjean after the dramatic accident in Bahrain.
Pietro Fittipaldi, test and reserve driver, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images
Fittipaldi’s remains one of the possible solutions, but it would not be at the top of Haas’ list of priorities, as might be deduced from Steiner’s words.
The first candidate seems to be Antonio Giovinazzi, a figure who would fit very well with the needs of the team, being linked to Ferrari (with which Haas has a close collaboration) and having played his last Grand Prix just over two months ago in Abu Dhabi. .
Giovinazzi has recently started his Formula E program with the Dragon team, but in front of a call from the Formula 1 paddock there is always an exit clause that would allow him to close contracts and seize the opportunity quickly.
Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo Racing C41
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
The lack of seats has greatly restricted the number of drivers who can boast recent experience in Formula 1, and in the current situation two potential candidates such as Daniil Kvyart and Robert Shwartzman are in danger of being excluded at the start precisely because of their passport.
Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri is linked to Alpine, and although the French manufacturer may also be potentially interested in selling the Australian for a season, Haas will hardly agree to act as a training ship for a driver who has a future already written. with other colors.
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