Nikita Mazepin: Haas exploring potential for Kevin Magnussen to replace Russian driver

March 9, 2022 admin

Haas severed ties last week with Nikita Mazepin and title sponsor Uralkali, owned by his billionaire father Dmitry, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; former driver Kevin Magnussen appears the likely candidate to replace the 23-year-old

Last Updated: 09/03/22 10:45am

Kevin Magnussen could replace Nikita Mazepin at Haas ahead of the new F1 season

Haas are exploring the possibility of former driver Kevin Magnussen replacing Nikita Mazepin ahead of the new F1 season.

US-owned team Haas had been under immense pressure to act on Mazepin’s future following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with sport around the world cutting ties with the country.

While the FIA, F1’s governing body, had stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete in their events under a neutral flag, Haas now appear likely to replace Mazepin with Danish driver Magnussen to race alongside German Mick Schumacher when the season starts in Bahrain on March 20 – live on Sky Sports.

Mazepin’s billionaire father looks to reclaim sponsorship money from Haas

Meanwhile, Dmitry Mazepin, whose company Uralkali are one of the world’s largest potash producers (mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form) is seeking an immediate reimbursement by Haas.

In a statement, the company said: “Uralkali has been for many years contributing considerably towards global food security and providing significant assistance to a whole range of sports associations, organisations and events both in Russia and abroad. The company views the team’s decision as unreasonable and believes that sports should always be free of politics and pressure from external factors.

Given the above, Uralkali intends to protect its interests in line with applicable legal procedures and reserves its rights to initiate judicial proceedings, claim damages and seek repayment of the significant amounts Uralkali had paid for the 2022 Formula One season.

“As most of the sponsorship funding for the 2022 season has already been transferred to Haas and given that the team terminated the sponsorship agreement before the first race of the 2022 season, Haas has thus failed to perform its obligations to Uralkali for this season.

“Uralkali shall request the immediate reimbursement of the amounts received by Haas. The refund from Haas and the remaining part of Uralkali’s sponsor financing for 2022 will be used to establish the We Compete As One athlete support foundation.”

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Valtteri Bottas supports Formula One’s decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix, while Mick Schumacher is ‘saddened’ by the situation in Ukraine

Brazilian reserve Pietro Fittipaldi will test for Haas in Bahrain on Thursday following the departure of Mazepin.

A spokesman said the cars had arrived late at the Sakhir circuit on Tuesday after the air freight was delayed by a technical issue.

“This delay will impact our programme but we are targeting being out on track for the second session Thursday afternoon with Pietro Fittipaldi driving the VF-22,” he said, giving no further details.

Fittipaldi, the grandson of two-time world champion Emerson, stood in for Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

Haas finished last in 2021 and were the only team not to score a point after focusing fully on developing their car for this year’s major rule changes.

The FIA’s ‘driver commitment’ for Russian/Belarusian competitors

1. I will comply with the decisions of the World Motor Sport Council of 1 March 2022. I understand that any refusal or failure to comply with those decisions will constitute a breach of Article 12.2.1.e of the FIA International Sporting Code, and may result in the imposition of a penalty or sanction under the International Sporting Code, the FIA Statutes, the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, and/or under any other applicable provision of the FIA rules and regulations.

2. I 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.

3. I acknowledge that I may only participate in Covered Events in an individual and neutral capacity, and not in any way as a representative of Russia or Belarus.

4. I will not display any Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, or flags publicly or via social media.

5. I will not display on my uniforms, clothing, accessories, or other personal items, or on my equipment or cars at any time in connection with my participation in Covered Events or otherwise in my capacity as a participant in Covered Events: × the Russian or Belarusian flag (current or historical); × any illustration of or reference to the Russian or Belarusian flag; × any national emblem or other national symbol of Russia/Belarus (e.g. coat of arms of Russia /double-headed eagle of Russia); × the words “Russian”, “Russia”, “Belarus”, “Belarusian”, “Russian Automobile Federation”, “Fédération de l’Automobile de Belarus” or the acronyms “RUS” or “RAF” or “BAF”, “FBA”, “BLR” in any language or format; or × the emblem of the Russian Automobile Federation (“RAF”) or “Fédération de l’Automobile de Belarus” (“FBA”https://www.skysports.com/”BAF”).

6. I acknowledge that no Russian/Belarusian national anthems will be played at Covered Events. I will not play or sing the Russian/Belarusian national anthem at any official event venue or other area controlled by the FIA or by the organiser or promoter of a Covered Event, or otherwise in connection with my participation in Covered Events or otherwise in my capacity as a participant in Covered Events.

7. I will not make any statements or comments, take any actions, or conduct myself in a manner that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA, any Competition, and/or motorsport generally. In particular, I will not express any support (direct or indirect) for the Russian and/or Belarusian activities in respect of Ukraine.

8. I will comply at all times with: a. all FIA rules and regulations, circulars, guidelines, procedures, and other requirements, as amended from time to time; b. all decisions, rulings, and directions of the FIA; and c. any applicable sanctions regime.

9. I acknowledge and accept that the FIA may implement further measures or issue further decisions in relation to my participation in Covered Events in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including the right to refuse me entry into or prevent me from participating in and/or attending any Covered Event. I will comply with any such further measures and decisions.

10. I have read and understood the contents of this Driver Commitment and I acknowledge that it is legally binding upon me.

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