Nikita Mazepin is said to have been fired by Haas for their F1 drivers list for the 2022 season and his replacement is already identified by the team
Despite the FIA’s approval to participate under a neutral flag in Formula One this year, Nikita Mazepin has been ‘DROPPED’ by Haas, with Pietro Fittipaldi set to take his position as Mick Schumacher’s team-mate. For Haas, Nikita Mazepin was chosen to team with Mick Schumacher. However, the Russian driver’s future is uncertain as a result of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia. For this season, the FIA had given him permission to participate under a neutral flag, but UK motorsport had barred Russian drivers from racing in British Grand Prix.
Haas F1 2022 Drivers List: Nikita Mazepin Sacked With Pietro Fittipaldi To Be Replacement
Emerson Fittipaldi’s grandson, a two-time champion, might potentially take his position. However, with the 2017 season only a few weeks away, Sky Sports Germany is claiming that Mazepin has been replaced by Pietro Fittipaldi as Mick Schumacher’s new teammate.
The team’s principal sponsor, Uralkali, from Russia, will also be dropped as a result of the 23-year old’s departure.
Fittipaldi, the grandson of two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is expected to move up and replace him at the conclusion of the 2020 season, with the grandson of two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi hoping to add to his two races for the team. He might be back in the driver’s seat as early as next week for the last pre-season test at Bahrain’s Sakhir Circuit.
Mazepin’s Future in F1 Due To The Russia-Ukraine War
Mazepin’s future in F1 looked bleak after the sport’s governing body decided to allow any Russian or Belarusian driver to compete under a neutral flag after an FIA meeting, but his future was given a slight boost this week when the motorsport governing body gave permission for any Russian or Belarusian driver to compete under a neutral flag after an FIA meeting.
In reaction, David Richards, the chairman of Motorsport UK, decided to ban all Russians from racing, essentially excluding Mazepin from competing at this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Removal of Russian Sponsorship
Mazepin’s father, tycoon Dmitry, is a shareholder in Uralkali, Haas’ major sponsor. For the final day of testing in Barcelona last week, Haas deleted the Russian chemical company’s logo.F1’s chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, is said to endorse Richards’ position, according to Sportsmail.
Future of Russian Grand Prix Amid Ukraine Conflict
Meanwhile, the Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled by Formula One. The announcement comes six days after the event, which was scheduled to take place in Sochi on September 25, was cancelled.
Only in June, F1 officials confirmed that the Russian round will be relocated to Igora Drive, 40 miles north of St Petersburg, beginning in 2023.
However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sport has decided to cancel the event entirely.