Updated: 11.25am. Additional reporting by Reuters.
Russian Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin has been sacked by Haas with immediate effect.
Mazepin’s contract has been terminated by the American-owned team following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
His father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, is a part-owner of Haas’ title sponsor, Uralkali, and an associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin. Haas confirmed its partnership with Uralkali has also been terminated.
A statement read: “Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin.
TEAM STATEMENT #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/5aEXLzYtmV
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 5, 2022
“As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”
The FIA has allowed Russian drivers to continue racing, albeit under a neutral flag.
But the sporting federation said on Friday that all drivers must agree to its principles of peace and neutrality and “acknowledge the strong commitment made by the FIA to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine, and all of those suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict”.
Formula One also ended its contract with the Russian Grand Prix on Thursday.
Mazepin, in a statement posted on social media, called the decision to terminate his contract a "unilateral step" and said "no process was followed" in reaching it.
"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," he wrote.
"I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we can all be together again in better times."
Haas had already removed all branding related to Uralkali from their car for the final day of last week's Barcelona testing in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Haas finished at the bottom of the constructors’ standings last year and were the only team not to score a point after choosing to forgo development of their car to focus on their 2022 challenger designed to this year's drastically overhauled rules.
But Mazepin’s performances were also underwhelming, with the Russian outperformed by fellow rookie and teammate Mick Schumacher. Mazepin's ousting from Haas could mark the end of his career.
Haas said Mazepin’s replacement will be named next week. The team’s reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of double world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, has been linked with the seat.
The concluding three-day pre-season test begins in Bahrain on Thursday ahead of the opening round in the Gulf Kingdom on March 20th.
