'Worrying' situation at Haas: 'Ferrari also has a Russian sponsor'

Haas came out Thursday with the statement that ties with Russian sponsor Uralkali were severed. The logos and colors are gone from the car, but Ted Kravitz doesn't quite understand why.

Things are unsettled within the Haas team and that is mainly due to Russia's incursion into neighboring Ukraine. Haas is an American team with a Russian sponsor. Nikita Mazepin's father, Dmitri, is the owner of the Russian company which is now not seen on the car of Haas. On Friday they will drive with a completely white livery.

Problems at Haas

''I can understand why they stopped their car looking like a Russian flag, it was the pragmatic decision. What I can't really understand is what is happening with the sponsor. Uralkali haven't been sanctioned yet as we know, and neither has Dmitri Mazepin has a person. And I haven't seen Ferrari yet take their Russian sponsor off their car as well. That raises questions to me over what is happening within this team - so that is a worrying sign,'' Kravitz said to Sky Sports.

Perhaps Guenther Steiner can provide more clarity on Friday afternoon when he joins the press conference. In a statement, the team announced that Steiner is available, but Nikita Mazepin will not be present at the press event. The problems are also reflected on the track, where Haas is once again in the garage due to a suspected leak.

Haas' Russian driver Nikita Mazepin has been pulled from the lunchtime press conference here in Barcelona. We are expecting to hear from the Haas team boss Gunther Steiner a little later. No word on Russian GP as yet. #skyf1 #f1testing

— Rachel Brookes (@RachelBrookesTV) February 25, 2022

The car has a suspected leak, which our crew are looking into.

Nikita will be remaining in the garage for the time being. #HaasF1

— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 25, 2022