Haas will test with a plain white livery on their VF-22 for Friday's track time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The American team have opted to withdraw branding for their title sponsor, Uralkali, for the remainder of the test. Uralkali are a Russian potash fertiliser producer and exporter. The withdrawal of the branding would appear to be in response to Russia beginning military action in neighbouring Ukraine. "Haas F1 team will present its VF-22 in a plain white livery, minus Uralkali branding, for the third and final day of track running on Friday 25 February," read a short statement from the team. "Nikita Mazepin will drive as planned in the morning session with Mick Schumacher taking over in the afternoon. No further comment will be made at this time regarding team partner agreements." Haas are entering their second season with the Russian company as their title sponsor, with the team also running a white, red and blue colour scheme – the same colours as the Russian flag.
The F1 paddock responds to Ukraine crisis
On Thursday, Sebastian Vettel condemned the actions taken by Russia , and stated he would not be travelling to take part in the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom later this season. F1 bosses are understood to be meeting for crisis talks on Thursday evening , discussing the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Pressure is growing on sporting organisations - such as the FIA - to boycott Russia. Although the Russian GP is still more than seven months away, F1 released a statement on Thursday to make clear that they are "watching the very fluid developments" in Ukraine, but that no further comment will be made at this time.
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