Trident has announced the termination of its contract with banned FIA Formula 2 Championship racer Santino Ferrucci with immediate effect.
The American racer was banned from two F2 rounds in Hungaroring and Spa-Francorchamps for breaching multiple rules during the Silverstone weekend. He was also fined for a total of 66,000 euros.
He apologised for his actions, but Trident had already thrown in support for Arjun Maini for the incidents in Austria and Britain adding that their lawyers will deal with Ferrucci – indicating the termination of their contract with the Haas F1 Team junior.
The Italian outfit has now confirmed the termination on the grounds of what transpired in Silverstone and the driver not obliging to the payments due to the team due to sponsorship issues – but he still was able to compete in IndyCar in Detroit for Dale Coyne Racing.
A statement from Trident stated: “Trident Motorsport informs to have communicated to Santino Ferrucci and to its guarantor, a company represented by Mr. Michael Ferrucci, the termination of the contract with the Team.
“This decision was motivated by the events – which are now of public domain – occurred at Silverstone, as well as by the serious breach of Driver’s payment obligations. Since the beginning of the championship, the Driver justified its payments’ default with alleged failure by his sponsors to fulfil their obligations.
“It seems weird that, despite such kind of issues, Santino Ferrucci had the resources needed to enter the Detroit INDY race from June 1st to 3rd while, at the same time, he was not honouring his agreement with Trident Motorsport.
“Trident gave mandate to its lawyers in order to activate all the procedures needed to fully recover its credits towards the driver.”
For now, Maini will continue to race for the Italian team in the remainder of the season as the outfit looks for a replacement. One of the names Formula Rapida understands in line is GP3 Series racer Alessio Lorandi – who competes for the Italian team in the junior series.
While the FIA and Trident have already take the steps required following the incidents, the Haas F1 Team is yet to decide whether they will continue with Ferrucci in their stable as a development driver or end its contract with him.