In October 2020, Nikita Mazepin congratulated Vladimir Putin on his Instagram birthday and thanked him for everything he does for Russian sport. Now, after one season, Mazepin is losing his F1 seat to Putin.
As expected, Haas terminated the contract with sponsor Uralkali (a Russian fertilizer manufacturer) and Nikita Mazepin, whose father Uralkali owns.
Formula One also confirmed this week that it has terminated its contract with Russia, so other races will not take place there.
The successor will be known soon
Haas said the end of the cooperation was immediate. The team did not say who would replace Mazepina. We can expect more information next week. Recall that the tests begin on March 10 and it is certain that the new rider will take part. Unless Haas surprises, there are two names on the table – Pietro Fittipaldi is Haas’ reserve driver and in 2020 he completed two races as a replacement for the injured Romain Grosjean.
The second option is Antonio Giovinazzi, who now races in Formula E and has, of course, more experience.
“Like the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wants a speedy and peaceful end to the conflict,” Haas said.
