Prior to the pre-season testing in Barcelona, Haas had been cherishing a pleasant passage, with title partners, Uralkali, offering them much-needed financial support while factory work surrounding the 2022 challenger happened in full swing.

Fast-forward three days and Haas are seemingly back to square one. The Russian-Ukraine conflict which recently erupted to an unimaginable level has led to a direct impact on Haas. How you might ask? Well, Haas are the only team currently on the grid to be associated with a Russian multinational company.

Now, with the United States government making moves to cut any economical ties with Russia, the American racing outfit, led by Gene Haas, too, are subsequently under pressure to let go of Uralkali, a private chemical company based in Russia.

What’s more, Uralkali have also embraced strong support from the Russian government itself. Hence, more reasons why Haas might have to break their partnership with the Dmitry Mazepin-led company.

The end of Haas & Uralkali?

Not yet! It’s easier said than done because Uralkali are their biggest financial backers, and losing them would cause a serious blow to the team’s future prospects in F1.

Of course, Haas could manage on their own for a season or two, but, if the gremlins of 2021 continue to follow them, there is almost nil chance that they could continue fighting for a place on the grid.

Hence, amidst rising tension, Haas are ready to hold talks with Uralkali over a potential contract termination. And at the same time, it is likely that the American outfit will also start looking for other options in terms of title partnership.

“We have to take care of the legal things next week,” Guenther Steiner said according to Auto Motor Und Sport.

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Mazepin’s F1 future falling apart?

The potential end to the Haas-Uralkali partnership could have a direct impact on Nikita Mazepin’s Formula One seat. And this is a given.

The Russian driver had an awful rookie stint in 2021 and the only reason Haas have chosen to stick with him this year is for the financial support he brings to the table through sponsorships. But, now, let’s assume Uralkali are gone and that would no longer make Mazepin a pay driver. So, what could Haas possibly do with Mazepin if he doesn’t bring any kind of funds to the team?

So, it is highly likely that the US-based outfit might run after other pay drivers, with Pietro Fittipaldi currently being the prime choice for the American outfit. Therefore, will Mazepin be lucky enough to take part in the season-opener at the Bahrain Grand Prix? We’ll know soon enough.

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