Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has rocked Formula 1 – and Haas was embroiled in the drama through an extraordinary chain of connections.
Almost two weeks after the completion of pre-season testing in Barcelona, Haas sacked driver Nikita Mazepin and title sponsor Uralkali.
Mazepin is Russian and his dad, Dmitry, is not only the owner of Uralkali but a close associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The Uralkali name and logo were emblazoned across the Haas cars and kit at the team’s 2022 launch, as well as over the first two days of testing.
The team had also adopted Uralkali’s red, white and blue Russian flag colours as its own.
But Haas took action ahead of the final day of testing, removing the Uralkali name and logo from its cars as well as its Russia-inspired colours, opting to instead run an all-white livery.
“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,” a Haas statement read.
Mazepin released a statement on social media shortly after the news broke.
“I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated,” Mazepin’s statement reads.
“While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from 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.
“Nikita.”
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