Nikita Mazepin has contract terminated by Haas F1 team

They have also dropped their title sponsor

Team Haas have terminated the contract of Russian driver Nikita Mazepin with immediate effect, it was announced on Saturday morning. They have also severed ties with their title partner, Uralkali, a Russian company that produces and exports fertiliser. A statement read: 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 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine, and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict." https://twitter.com/HaasF1Team/status/1500031737581158412 This comes after two lighter sanctions against Mazepin, whose father Dmitry is a billionaire oligarch with close ties to Putin and part owns Uralkali. First the FIA announced he would have to compete under a neutral flag, before Motorsport UK announced Mazepin would not be allowed to race in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone regardless. Team Haas have been the centre of much scrutiny following the invasion of Ukraine, due to their heavy involvement with Russian business. The team initially removed its Uralkali branding from the car and ran a plain white livery on the final day of testing in Barcelona on the Friday. And now they have gone a step further in dropping both the sponsor and Mazepin completely. It is not yet known who will take his place in the seat but news is expected early next week.

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