updates
Despite permission from Formula 1
Mazepin is suspended from the Silverstone race
03/02/2022, 1:30 p.m
It is questionable whether Nikita Mazepin has a future in Formula 1. According to the World Motor Sport Association, the Russian driver can continue to start – under a neutral flag. But he is not wanted at all events: the British association excludes him from the race at Silverstone.
For Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, the prospects for a future in Formula 1 have continued to deteriorate. The British Automobile Association issued a ban on participation for teams, drivers and officials from Russia and Belarus. A start of the Haas driver and teammate of Mick Schumacher in the tenth race of the season on July 3rd at Silverstone is therefore excluded. Mazepin’s racing license will no longer be recognized in the UK until further notice.
“It is our duty to use every influence and leverage to stop this totally unjustified invasion of Ukraine,” said FA President David Richards. Motorsport UK goes one step further than the FIA, the world automobile association. On Tuesday evening, he decided that Russian and Belarusian drivers would be allowed to take part in competitions under the FIA flag. They must “expressly commit themselves to complying with the FIA principles of peace and political neutrality”. In addition, no anthems shall be played at international competitions.
Racing on Russian and Belarusian soil is prohibited. The panel also officially canceled this year’s Russian Grand Prix in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The race in Sochi was actually scheduled for September 25th. “We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those who are suffering from the events in Ukraine,” said the new President of the World Motor Sport Federation FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. He hopes for a “quick and peaceful solution to the current situation”.
Mazepin’s continued employment with the US racing team should depend on how things progress between Haas and title sponsor Uralkali. Mazepin’s billionaire father, Dimitri, is the majority shareholder in the mining company.
After the Russian attack on Ukraine, Haas removed the logo of the major sponsor and its colors, which correspond to those of the Russian flag, from the racing car, garage and motor home during the test drives in Barcelona last Friday. Mick Schumacher pasted over the Uralkali logo on his racing suit in Barcelona, and the group has apparently completely disappeared from the team’s website, only a few photos of the car still show Uralkali. Lawyers deal with the progress of the matter between the team and the sponsor.