Nikita Mazepin of Russia and Haas F1 walks in the Pitlane during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on December 04, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Highlights
- Haas also ended its sponsorship with Russian company Uralkali, owned by Mazepin's father.
- The 23-year-old Mazepin did not score a point in his debut F1 season last year alongside Mick.
- Pre-season testing continues in Bahrain next week before the season-opening race there on March 20.
The Haas Formula One team has terminated Russian driver Nikita Mazepin's contract "with immediate effect" following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The decision comes on the back of F1's decision to terminate its contract with the Russian GP. That contract had been until 2025.
Haas also ended its sponsorship with Russian company Uralkali, owned by Mazepin's father.
"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 said in a statement on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Mazepin did not score a point in his debut F1 season last year alongside Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher.
Last week, Haas removed Uralkali sponsorship and ran plain white cars on the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona, instead of the typical red, white and blue with a livery that resembles the Russian flag.
Pre-season testing continues in Bahrain next week before the season-opening race there on March 20.
