(Motorsport) Nikita Mazepin will not be competing in the 2022 Formula 1 season after Haas confirmed that his contract has been terminated. The US based team was forced to take action after being subjected to immense pressure due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite the FIA stating that Russian and Belarusian drivers would be allowed to compete under a neutral flag, Haas has decided to part ways with Mazepin with immediate effect. In addition, the Formula 1 team has terminated its partnership with title sponsor Uralkali, the Russian company owned by Mazepin's father.
In a statement released by Haas, the racing team said “Haas F1 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 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.” The team had previously indicated that test driver Pietro Fittipaldi could replace Mazepin in the vacant Haas seat. The 25 year old Brazilian is the grandson of Brazilian F1 world champion Emerson and has represented the Haas team before, driving instead of Roman Grosjean for two races at the end of 2020.
In a statement on Instagram, Mazepin said: "Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated. 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 in better times. I will have more to say in the coming days. Nikita."
Other options for Haas include Antonio Giovinazzi, Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg, Callum Ilott and Oscar Piastri.
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