How the conflict between Russia and Ukraine affects Formula 1 and other motorsports
After announcing the expiration of his contract with Haas, this Saturday (05), Nikita Mazepin spoke. The Russian driver classified the decision made by the US team as “one-sided” and revealed his willingness to accept the decisions of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
It should be noted that last Friday (04) the entity issued a code of conduct that Russian and Belarusian pilots must comply with in order not to be prevented from participating in the events of the regulator. Among those imposed were a ban on Russian and Belarusian anthems at FIA events and public expressions of support for the invasion of Ukraine.
“Dear fans and followers, I am deeply disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated. While I understand the difficulties, the FIA’s assumptions and my willingness to accept the proposed terms of continuation have been completely ignored and no process has been followed in this unilateral decision.”
He concluded: “For those who have tried to understand, my eternal gratitude. I enjoyed my time in Formula 1 and I really hope that we will be together in better times. I will talk more in the coming days.”
Earlier on Saturday morning, Haas announced that both Mazepin and sponsor Uralkali – the Russian fertilizer company run by Dmitry Mazepin, the driver’s father – are no longer part of the US team.
In addition to the Russian pilot, Uralkali, Father Dmitriy’s company, is also out of Haas (Image: Haas)
“The Haas F1 Team has decided to terminate the partnership with Uralkali and contract driver Nikita Mazepin with immediate effect. Like the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes a peaceful end,” the statement issued by the team said.
Haas has, at the moment, not announced who will replace the Russian driver in the Formula 1 grid. Pietro Fittipaldi is expected to replace her, and Antonio Giovinazzi has also applied for the spot.
The departure came due to the delicate situation of Mazbein after several penalties imposed on Russian athletes, and, of course, separation from the main sponsorship of the team. Despite the FIA’s ruling that Russian drivers and teams can continue motorsport with a neutral flag, Motorsport UK, the UK’s sport’s governing body, has taken it a step further.
The authority announced that the licenses of pilots of the Royal Air Force (Russian Automobile Federation) and BAF (Belarusian Automobile Federation) are suspended on British soil. However, Nikita will miss the Formula 1 British Grand Prix in 2022, forcing the team to at least change the Silverstone stage. Other European entities have been advised to follow the same path as Motorsport UK.
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