Nikita Mazepin has spoken out for the first time since being dropped from the Haas Formula 1 team ahead of the 2022 season. The Russian driver, together with personal and Haas title sponsor Uralkali, was dropped by the American-led team ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain, in response to Russia beginning military action in neighboring Ukraine. The action has resulted in huge economic sanctions and bans for Russian companies and businesses, as well as the country being cut off from the SWIFT global payment system. Haas initially dropped their Uralkali branding ahead of the final day of the Spanish test, but ran Mazepin in their VF-22 bedecked in a plain white livery. However, on Saturday, Haas confirmed that both Uralkali and Mazepin will not be part of the team this year.
Mazepin: No process was followed in Haas decision
A furious Mazepin took to social media in the wake of Haas' announcement and decried the decision taken by the team. "I am very disappointed to hear my Formula 1 contract has been terminated," he wrote. "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 this unilateral step." Mazepin is, presumably, referring to conditions imposed by the FIA on Russian competitors in recent days which the competitor would be required to adhere to in order to compete. Faced with the prospect of no F1 seat in 2022, Mazepin took the opportunity to thank his fans for their support. "To those who have tried to understand, my eternal thanks," he said. "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."
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pic.twitter.com/6QHUDTXryv — Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) March 5, 2022
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