The Haas Formula 1 Team terminates Nikita Mazepin’s contract and their title partnership with Uralkali with immediate effect..
Following the Russia invasion in Ukraine and the FIA's statemen made earlier thsi week that "No Russian/Belarusian national teams or driver will be able to participate in international/zone competitions until further notice", the Haas Formula 1 team has announced it has terminated it's contract with racing driver Nikita Mazepin and their title partnership with Uralkali ( owned by Nikita Mazepin's billionaire father).
In a statement on Twitter, Mazepin said he is "disappointed" with the decision, adding: "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 again in better times. I will have more to say in the coming days."
It currently remains unclear who will replace Mazepin and race alongside fellow driver Mick Schumacher this season. The FIA has also announced that the it has terminated it contract for the Russian Grand Prix meaning Russia will no longer stage future races.
The official pre-season tests begin later this week om Thursday March 10 in Bahrain.