Nikita Mazepin dropped from Haas F1 team after Russian invasion of Ukraine
Russian driver Nikita Mazepin and title sponsor Uralkali have been dropped from the Haas F1 Team after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Nikita Mazepin has been dropped from the Haas F1 Team. (Haas F1 Team)
"Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin," read a short statement from the team.
"As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict."
Haas reacted to international sanctions on Russia during the F1 shakedown in Barcelona, removing the Uralkali branding from their cars.
The team has now severed ties with sponsor and driver, with no information available on his replacement.
Uralkali is owned by Mazepin's father Dmitry Mazepin, one of the many oligarchs called to an urgent audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
"Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to that my F1 contract has been terminated," Mazepin posted on social media.
"While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from FIA plus my ongoing willingness to accept the conditions proposed in order to continue were completely ignored and no process was followed in this unilateral step."
“Despite the FIA granting Russian and Belarusian drivers permission to race under a neutral flag,
Motorsport UK has banned drivers from both countries, meaning Mazepin would have faced difficulty competing in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
"To those who have tried to understand, my eternal thanks," said Mazepin.
"I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we can all be together again in better times."
