Written by Aiden Hover, Edited by Esmée Koppius
With immediate effect, the Russian Formula One driver will no longer be an employee of the Haas F1 team and will not be driving for them in the 2022 season. The team has cited the unjust Russian invasion of Ukraine as the reasoning for their decision to drop Nikita Mazepin as well as their main title sponsor, UralKali, owned by Mazepin’s father.
In a statement released via Instagram and Twitter, Haas F1 team declared:
“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.”
For Mazepin, his short time in Formula One looks to have come to an end. With the highest finishing position of 14th and not much else to show for his single season with Haas, it's unlikely we will see him again in the sport - but never say never in Formula One.
In terms of his replacement, many are touting Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi to be shoehorned into the vacant seat at Haas alongside Mick Schumacher. Having already made his race debut for the team in 2020 and currently holding the position of reserve driver, Fittipaldi is the obvious first choice. Antonio Giovinazzi has also been rumoured for the seat due to his close links with Ferrari. Haas is expected to announce Mazepins replacement early next week before the second pre-season test in Bahrain.
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