Formula 1 team Haas have terminated the contract of Russian driver Nikita Mazepin and called for peace in Ukraine.
American-owned Haas have also split with title sponsor Uralkali, a Russian fertiliser company part-owned by Mazepin’s father, with immediate effect as the war in eastern Europe continues.
The FIA were last week considering barring Mazepin, 23, from competing in this season’s F1 championship, after the International Olympic Committee recommended sports bans for all Russian and Belarusian athletes from international events.
They ultimately decided not to ban Mazepin and instead said he would be allowed to compete under a neutral flag, but the driver has now been dropped by his team.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
‘Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin,’ a statement read.
Mazepin was the grid’s sole Russian driver and F1 has already terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix.
The new Formula One season starts in Bahrain on March 20.
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