Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 1, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 1, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Haas driver Nikita Mazepin has reportedly been removed from the team, as the only American F1 team might have found another title sponsor to replace Uralkali. Uralkali and Mazepin are no longer be part of the team, primarily due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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However, according to new reports, the team has found a new title sponsor with better financial backing. F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto said, “Parting up with the title sponsor is never ideal, but my sources say Haas has options and will be financially secure.“The team is moving in the right direction in terms of performance and they have made an interesting proposition.”
Read More: REPORTS: Nikita Mazepin’s Father Threatened to Stop Sponsoring Haas F1 Citing Poor Results in 2021
Earlier, FIA had announced that Russian and Belarusian drivers will be able to compete under a neutral flag. With this, things had just started to look up for Mazepin. However, soon after the FIA announcement, the team decided to part ways with him. His potential replacement is Pietro Fittipaldi, the reserve driver for Haas.
The timeline of unfortunate events for Nikita Mazepin
In light of the rise in global tension, Haas removed the branding of Uralkali from their cars during pre-season testing in Barcelona. Despite calls for Mazepin’s removal, Haas did not clarify the Russian’s future. On 1st March, the FIA confirmed that Mazepin will be able to compete under a neutral flag.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 9, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
However, on March 5, Haas produced a statement confirming the termination of contracts of both Uralkali and Mazepin. Another driver will enter Formula 1 and take up Mazepin’s seat for the 2022 season.
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With the Russian out of Formula 1, the team will look to find a solution before the next round of testing in Bahrain. The 2022 F1 season begins at the Bahrain GP on March 18-20. Haas did not manage to score a single point in 2021. Team Principal Guenther Steiner will be hoping for a revival after the team’s poor performances in recent seasons in Formula 1.
Will Mick Schumacher be the one to steady the ship or will a new driver bring new life into Haas in 2022?
