Russia’s Nikita Mazepin MUST sign an agreement banning him from supporting his country’s invasion of Ukraine to compete in F1 this season – as question marks remain over Haas driver’s future
- Nikita Mazepin must abide by a certain rule to compete in Formula One this year
- The Russian must not voice support for his country’s recent invasion of Ukraine
- Mazepin is the grid’s only Russian driver and may not be kept on by team Haas
- His father, Dmitry Mazepin, is an associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin
Formula One’s rulers will demand Russian driver Nikita Mazepin signs a document forbidding him from voicing support for his country’s invasion of Ukraine if he is to compete in the sport this season.
Mazepin is the grid’s sole Russian driver and it is unclear if he will be kept on by American-owned Haas for the new campaign.
His father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, is a part-owner of Haas’ title sponsor, Uralkali, and an associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin. The FIA has allowed Russian drivers to continue racing, albeit under a neutral flag.
Haas’ Russian driver Nikita Mazepin (above) must sign a document forbidding him from voicing support for his country’s invasion of Ukraine if he is to compete in Formula One this season
Mazepin’s father Dmitry (right) is an associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin (above left)
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’.
Among the commitments Russian and Belarusian drivers and officials must sign up to is that they ‘will not express any support (direct or indirect) for the Russian and/or Belarusian activities in respect of Ukraine’ and an acceptance that the FIA could implement further measures as the conflict unfolds.
Formula One terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix on Thursday, while Motorsport UK announced Russian-licenced drivers will be banned from competing in the United Kingdom.
It means Mazepin will not be able to take part in July’s British Grand Prix. The new season starts in Bahrain in a fortnight’s time.
Haas have already removed the colours of the Russian flag from their car for this season
Pietro Fittipaldi (left) could now be set to partner up with Mick Schumacher for the Haas team
Formula One has cancelled its contract with the Russian Grand Prix after the Ukraine invasion
The 23-year-old was initially retained by his team to partner Mick Schumacher, but given the situation in Ukraine, his future in the sport is unclear.
Sky Sports Germany reports he has been replaced by reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, racing legend and two-time Emerson’s grandson.
That decision also paves the way to Haas dropping Uralkali as a sponsor, according to that report.
Haas removed branding of the Russian chemical company for the final day of testing in Barcelona last week.
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