Nikita Mazepin will not race for Haas in Formula 1 this year after the team terminated both his contract and that of title partner Uralkali.
Mazepin stepped up to Haas for the 2021 season and the team secured Russian fertilizer firm Uralkali as its title partner. Uralkali is controlled by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, and its presence prompted Haas into a change of livery that resembled Russia’s flag.
Nikita Mazepin’s career with the Haas F1 Team is over after just one season.
Mark ThompsonGetty Images
Mazepin’s position at Haas had been unclear throughout the week in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, given his nationality, and his father’s association with president Vladimir Putin.
Russian president Vladimir Putin, left, and businessman Dmitry Mazepin meet in January.
Mikhail MetzelGetty Images
Dmitry Mazepin was one of the Russian businessmen pictured at a meeting at the Kremlin on the day Russia invaded Ukraine.
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, convened at an extraordinary meeting but stopped short of prohibiting Russian competitors, outlining that they could enter events under the FIA’s own flag. But on Saturday, Haas communicated his decision to sever ties immediately with both Mazepin and Uralkali.
“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 outlined in a statement.
Mazepin failed to score a point in his sole season in Formula 1, taking a best race finish of 14th, as he finished last in the championship.
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“I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated,” Mazepin wrote on social media in response to Haas’ decision. “While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from the 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.
“To those who have tried to understand, my eternal thanks. I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we can all be together again in better times. I will have more to say in the coming days.”
It means Haas is in need of a new teammate for Mick Schumacher just two weeks out from the opening round of the season in Bahrain. A decision is set to be taken early next week, given Haas will be back on track in Bahrain on Thursday, for the second three-day pre-season test.
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Pietro Fittipaldi has been Haas’ long-time reserve driver and was previously drafted into race action for the final two events in 2020 following Romain Grosjean’s serious accident.
Another potential candidate is Antonio Giovinazzi, Ferrari’s reserve driver, who spent the last three years racing for Alfa Romeo prior to losing his seat for 2022. Ferrari supplies Haas with power units and Giovinazzi tested for Haas in 2017 when he was a junior racer.
Reigning Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri is also on the sidelines but he is contracted to Alpine, as its reserve driver.
Haas’ decision to cut his association with a Russian driver and company comes days after Formula 1 terminated his own contract to hold a Russian Grand Prix.
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