Formula 1: Haas sack Nikita Mazepin and end partnership with Russian sponsor

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin has been sacked by Haas as a result of his country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Haas have also terminated their contract with Uralkali, who had been their title sponsor.

The Russian chemicals company is part-owned by Mazepin’s billionaire father Dmitry, a close associate of Vladimir Putin, and the colours of the Russian flag had been part of the car’s livery since the sponsorship started.

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

“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.”

F1 had cancelled the Russian Grand Prix the day after their invasion of Ukraine, and ruled out future races in Russia when they terminated the contract with the race promoter.