There was no other way. Although Nikita Mazepin had no fault of the international situation created by Vladimir Putin with the war in Ukraine, the son of the oligarch Dmitry – a friend of the Russian president – was in a very uncomfortable situation, as was Haas, who had title sponsor Uralkali, the family business. As communicated by the team just a few minutes ago, the roads of Mazepin and Haas officially separate. The US team will have to look for a new driver and another title sponsor.
TEAM STATEMENT # HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/5aEXLzYtmV
– Haas F1 Team (@ HaasF1Team) March 5, 2022
“The Haas chose to terminate the collaboration with Uralkali and the contract with driver Nikita Mazepin with immediate effect. As well as the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and hopes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.“, These are the words used in the press release.
As for the replacement, the team hasn’t added anything. Team principal Günther Steiner had stated that, in case Mazepin had packed his bags, the replacement would be the reserve Pietro Fittipaldi. However, in the last few days the candidacy of Antonio Giovinazzi has taken hold, who has an exit clause from Formula E if a place in Formula 1 is free.
#Official #Haas #separates #Mazepin #Uralkali #FormulaPassionit