‘I didn’t deserve it’ - Nikita Mazepin says he was unfairly dismissed by Haas, who bring in Kevin Magnussen
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Updated 09/03/2022 at 19:27 GMT
In addition to the sacking of Nikita Mazepin, Haas have also dropped their Russian sponsors Uralkali – a company part-owned by Mazepin’s oligarch father Dmitry who is an associate of Vladimir Putin. The American-owned race team say they will run with Pietro Fittipaldi for the test in Bahrain, but have since confirmed Kevin Magnussen as Mazepin's replacement.
Mazepin shocked by Haas firing following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Nikita Mazepin admits he heard about his sacking from Haas via the media and stressed that he was unfairly dismissed by the team, who have replaced the Russian with Kevin Magnussen.
Sporting governing bodies were being put under increasing pressure to ban Russian competitors after the country’s invasion of Ukraine, but the FIA had a softer stance and were prepared to give Russian and Belarusian drivers neutral status.
However, the Daily Mail reports that the tipping point appeared to come after Motorsport UK announced Russian-linked competitors would not be able to compete at the British Grand Prix, prompting the decision for Mazepin’s contract to be terminated by Haas.
As reported by journalist Cezary Gutowski, he said: “First of all, I want to say that I understand that the world is not like it was two weeks ago. It was an extremely painful time for both you and me. People who are not here see it from a different angle. We in Russia and Ukraine see it's on many other levels.
“I was planning to start as a neutral athlete. The FIA allowed it. I had no problem with that, but the night before my contract was terminated, additional directives came out and as we started to analyse them, I got a message the next morning that the contract was cancelled. I was fired.
“I deserved more support from the team. I was relieved to see that the FIA allowed us to start in neutral colours. I was hoping to drive. Then everything changed and I lost the dream I had been working for for 18 years.
“I heard about my Haas sacking, like everyone else, from the press. I didn't deserve it.
“I was very disappointed with how it played out. I hadn't been worried since I left Barcelona.
“Formula One is not a closed chapter for me. I will be ready to race in case there is an opportunity to return. I wish all the best to the drivers who will replace me. They have nothing to do with the existing situation.”
In addition to the sacking of Mazepin, Haas have also dropped their Russian sponsors Uralkali – a company part-owned by Mazepin’s oligarch father Dmitry who is an associate of Vladimir Putin.
The American-owned race team have confirmed they will run with Pietro Fittipaldi for the test in Bahrain, but it will be Magnussen in the seat alongside Mick Schumacher for the 2022 season.
The Dane, who drove for the team before moving on in 2020, is delighted to be back in F1.
"I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team. I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing," he told Haas' official website. "I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly - both are great organizations.
"Naturally, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career - I know just how competitive they both are and how keen they are to return to competing week in and week out.
"We've enjoyed a solid relationship and our positive association remained even when I left at the end of 2020. I've been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package. There's work to do but I'm excited to be a part of it. I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain."
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