Haas has confirmed the termination of its sponsorship deal with Uralkali and subsequently Nikita Mazepin’s F1 driver contract.
Following this week’s crucial meet to discuss the sponsorship of Uralkali and also the driver contract of Mazepin with Haas, the American F1 outfit has decided to end both of it with immediate effect due to Russia waging a war and invading Ukraine.
Already Haas decided to remove Uralkali from its name on the final day of Barcelona test along with removing it from its website and social media channels. The growing speculation was certain that the team will no longer continue with the Russian company.
FormulaRapida.net’s Sergio Rodriguez’s sources confirmed him that the decision to drop Mazepin was set and done. While the team has not announced who will replace the Russian, but the same source had Pietro Fittipaldi’s name on top of the list.
For now, Haas has no imminent driver announcement, but they are due for one early next week before they get ready for Bahrain test and subsequent Bahrain GP. The termination of their deal closes another sponsor chapter for the team after Rich Energy fiasco.
Here’s the full statement: “Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. 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.”
Here’s FIA detailing more on how Russian and Belarus drivers can compete
Here’s F1 terminating Russian GP contract ans chance of Nikita Mazepin losing his drive
Here’s the full FIA WMSC decisions
Here’s Daniil Kvyat urging IOC and FIA
Here’s what Ukraine federation wrote
Here’s Guenther Steiner on Haas situation with Uralkali