Nikita Mazepin has reacted to his departure from Formula 1. Haas announced on Saturday morning that it is terminating the contract with the Russian driver immediately due to the war in Ukraine. Who will replace him is not yet known.
After only one season in Formula 1, Mazepin will leave the sport. The situation between Russia and Ukraine caused severe sanctions in several countries, making it difficult for Mazepin to stay in the sport. Haas also decided to break the contract with Russian title sponsor Uralkali.
On Twitter, Mazepin reacted to the situation. The Russian is dissatisfied and believes that his willingness to continue racing under the sanctions was ignored. In fact, the FIA still allows drivers from Russia and Belarus, as long as they race under a neutral flag.
Mazepin disappointed about contract termination
"I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated. 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," the statement read. Mazepin finally let it be known that he will say more in the coming days.