Nikita Mazepin will reveal more details behind the nature of his departure from the Haas Formula 1 team later this week, as the Russian driver is set to address media on Wednesday. Last week, Haas announced that Mazepin would not be kept on in his seat for a second season with the team. The announcement was made at the same time as Haas confirmed the departure of Russian title sponsor Uralkali. Uralkali is a potash fertiliser company, whose majority shareholder and current chair is Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita's father. With severe economic sanctions being placed upon Russian companies, Haas opted to sever ties with Uralkali and, at the same time, drop Mazepin.
Mazepin furious after Haas elect to drop him
The 22-year-old later took to social media to slam the decision taken by Haas, releasing a statement in which he said that he had been willing to follow FIA procedures that would have allowed him to race – the governing body requiring Russian athletes to sign a document that distanced themselves from showing any sort of support for Russia or the country's recent actions. But Mazepin claimed that "no process had been followed", suggesting his ousting was a decision taken by Haas directly, rather than being brought on by the FIA stipulations. He will address media on Wednesday, 9 March, at 09:00 GMT. Mazepin is set to reveal information about the latest events surrounding his Haas departure, as well as hinting that "future plans" may be announced. Meanwhile, Haas are yet to confirm who will replace Mazepin for the 2022 season.
Motorsport UK introduced Russian ban on "moral grounds"
Last week, British organisation Motorsport UK announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams taking part in motorsport events held in the UK. This statement was a breach of the FIA's implemented process, with the governing body allowing affected athletes to participate in events provided they were willing to sign the FIA's 'Neutrality and Peace Commitment' document. This document committed athletes to distance themselves from Russian flags and symbology, as well as ensuring no public shows of support, direct or otherwise, for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sources with knowledge of the situation have told RacingNews365.com that Motorsport UK Hugh Chambers called the FIA last Friday to clarify their position. Chambers is said to have explained that although Motorsport UK had no statutory right to adopt the stance they did, they had acted upon moral grounds. Motorsport UK declined to comment.
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