Wolff touched by situation: 'We have Russian and Ukrainian team members'

Haas announced on Saturday morning that it is terminating its contract with Nikita Mazepin immediately. Before the news was announced, Toto Wolff indicated that he was disappointed for the Russian driver. However, the Mercedes team boss stands behind the decision not to race in Russia.

Mercedes have several Ukranian and Russuan employees as part of their Formula 1 setup and understands it isn't an easy time.

"We have Ukrainians, and we have Russians on the team, and it’s certainly not easy for all the individuals that have families there also. It’s tough times, and certainly from a personal perspective as well, having grown up in Vienna with parents that come from a Slavic background," the Austrian told Bloomberg.

Formula 1 has torn up its contract with the Russian Grand Prix. In addition, several countries took the decision to ban drivers from Russia and Belarus, making the situation difficult for Nikita Mazepin. Now that Haas has officially terminated the contract with both Mazepin and Uralkali, his Formula One career seems to be over.

Wolff on future of Mazepin

Before the news came out, Wolff let it be known that he was in two minds. According to the Mercedes team boss Mazepin deserves his seat in F1, but Wolff stands by the strict sanctions against Russia."For Nikita himself it is difficult. He’s a guy that managed to be in Formula 1. He can drive. I think as an athlete himself, it’s difficult, but I think in a way to support the robust sanctions that have been implemented, you understand why it could go either direction."