The Haas Formula One team has cut ties with its Russian sponsor and driver whose contract is linked to that sponsorship following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The team said in a statement posted on Twitter on Saturday morning: “The Haas 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 One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”
TEAM STATEMENT #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/5aEXLzYtmV
Mazepin’s future was already looking uncertain after Haas removed branding for Uralkali, a Russian potash producer, from their car on the last day of pre-season testing in Barcelona last week.
Uralkali, a potash producer, is owned by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, an oligarch with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mazepin, who made his debut last season, landed the berth as part of the sponsorship deal.
As the only Russian on the grid, he would have had to race in a neutral capacity, as part of the sport’s reaction to the invasion.
