The situation involving the Haas F1 team is intensifying by the minute. The team has been impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the last two days. Russian Oligarch Dmitry Mazepin and his company Uralkali funds them, and his son Nikita is a driver for the team. But Haas team principal Guenther Steiner mentioned they can replace Mazepin ahead of the 2022 season.

If the situation regarding Russia-Ukraine does not improve, then they can cut ties with the company and Mazepin entirely. Steiner mentioned that they have an option in the form of Pietro Fittipaldi to replace Nikita Mazepin for the upcoming season.

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If Nikita can’t drive, the first call will go to Pietro: Guenther Steiner

As reported by Soy Motor, the German revealed that the young Brazilian driver will be the first choice for the American team. Fittipaldi has driven for Haas on a couple of occasions in 2020 and often drives the car in free practice.

“If Nikita can’t drive, for one reason or another, the first call will go to Pietro. Obviously, he’s been with us for a few years and we’ll see what we can do next,” said Steiner. [Translated by Google]

The Haas team principal praised Pietro for his involvement with the team in the past couple of seasons. “Pietro has always been with us in recent years. Since the arrival of the pandemic, we have needed a reserve driver due to the threat of Covid-19.

“He has been in the garage at all times. He knows the team and also the car. In case you have to jump into the car from one day to the next, I don’t think there is anyone better than him at the moment,” said the Haas team boss.

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Obviously, the most desired result would be if the team could keep Nikita Mazepin. But it will be fascinating to see how things develop in the coming weeks; overall, the situation is indeed a body blow to the team and its chances in the 2022 season.

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