The Haas team announced this Saturday (5) the termination of its contract with its main sponsor, Uralkali – Russian in the fertilizer business – and with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin. One of the company’s owners is Dmitry Mazepin, a Russian oligarch associated with President Vladimir Putin and Nikita’s father.
The American team’s decision comes on the heels of a series of boycotts of Russia in sports following the invasion of Ukraine, – the country was excluded from the Beijing Paralympic Games, the Russian GP was withdrawn from the F1 World circuit and the final of the Champions League, which would be in St. Petersburg, has been relocated.
The pilot spoke on social media after the announcement stating that the decision was unilateral. “I am very disappointed to hear that my contract with F1 has been terminated. Despite understanding the difficulties, the FIA’s decisions coupled with my continued willingness to accept the proposed conditions to continue in the competition have been completely ignored and no process has followed this decision. One-sided. I am eternally grateful to those who tried to understand. I cherish my time in F1 and hope we can be together again in better times.”
Among the FIA’s decisions was the signing of a pledge of solidarity with Ukraine, according to which drivers from Russia and Belarus could not use Russian national symbols, colors or flags. They can only compete individually, without representing the country.
At just 23 years old, Mazepin had a career marked by turmoil – from the aggression of another driver to a case of harassment of a drunk young woman – and few glories – in a weak team, the Russian got used to being lantern.
Haas also informed that it should announce early next week who will be the new teammate of German Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.
One of those listed for the spot is Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi, 25. The grandson of two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has been a Haas test driver for three years. In 2020, he had the opportunity to race in the last two races of the season (Sakhir and Abu Dhabi), replacing Romain Grosjean, after the Frenchman suffered an accident at the Bahrain GP.
On the occasion, Fittipaldi became the 32nd Brazilian to act in the main category of world motorsport and also ended an almost three-year hiatus from the country in F1, since the farewell of Felipe Massa, in 2017.
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