F1: Haas terminate Mazepin’s contract with immediate effect

Formula One team Haas has announced they have dropped Russian driver Nikita Mazepin and terminated their contract with title sponsor Uralkali due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

”Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin,” a statement read.

“As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”

TEAM STATEMENT #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/5aEXLzYtmV

— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 5, 2022

Don’t underestimate the ramifications for Haas because they are huge.

Financially, they have a massive hole to fill. Competitively, there are some exciting driver options available, but it is expected that Pietro Fittipaldi will be in the car this week in Bahrain unless the team finds a ride-buyer with a bigger check.

In a statement responding to Haas’ announcement issued on his social media, Mazepin said: “Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated.

“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 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.”

Would be nice to see Colton Herta get a crack at the seat.