Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin has contract terminated - Haas to name replacement next week
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ByEurosport
Updated 05/03/2022 at 10:50 GMT
Haas have terminated the contract of Nikita Mazepin, which means there will be no Russian drivers competing in Formula 1 this season. Haas have said Mazepin's replacement will be named next week. Reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, who is the grandson of two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, will likely be his replacement.
Nikita Mazepin
Image credit: Getty Images
Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula 1 this season after Haas confirmed they have terminated his contract with immediate effect.
The team announced that they have also terminated their title partnership with Uralkali.
The news comes after Haas faced pressure to make a decision on Mazepin's future and Uralkali's title sponsorship following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The decision comes six days after this year's race, due to take place in Sochi on September 25, was pulled from the calendar for the foreseeable future.
Haas said in a statement on Saturday morning: "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 One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict."
Formula One's governing body the FIA confirmed that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete in events under a neutral flag, but Haas have confirmed they will replace Mazepin.
Haas removed their Uralkali branding on its car and paddock facilities and raced in a white livery for the final day of Barcelona testing last Friday.
Uralkali is part-owned by Nikita's father Dmitry, who is believed to have close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The 53-year-old owns chemical company Uralchem.
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