Nikita Mazepin has been the great victim of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Formula 1 paddock, since the Moscow driver will not be on the 2022 grid. The Haas team announced early on Saturday morning that it was terminating the contract of the Russian, so he won’t be behind the wheel of the American car.
The statement came via Haas’ social media, stating that “they had chosen to terminate Uralkali’s sponsor and driver Nikita Mazepin’s contract with immediate effect.” In addition, those from Kannapolis expressed their concern about the current situation: “As part of the Formula 1 community, the team is surprised and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and we wish for a peaceful way to resolve the conflict.”
After this, the pilot who has been left without a place due to the departure of his main sponsor Uralkali, gave his opinion in his personal accounts: “Dear followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my contract in Formula 1 has ended”.
“Although I understand the difficulties, the FIA’s decision, my willingness to accept the proposed conditions to continue were completely ignored and no process was followed in this unilateral step,” he continued.
“For those who have tried to understand me, my eternal thanks. I have valued my time in Formula 1 and I hope that together we can have better times. I will say something more in the coming days,” Mazepin concluded with his signature.
In this way, Haas is left without one of his two regular drivers, so he will have to find a companion for Mick Schumacher, as well as a sponsor who provides financial support large enough to complete the season and ensure the survival of the team.
The team is expected to announce early next week the replacement for Nikita Mazepin, who will not be getting into the car designed for the new 2022 regulations ever again. Haas will prepare the start of the World Cup in Shakir’s last winter tests, which will be held from March 10 to 12 on the stage where the course will start.
