Nikita Mazepin, Haas
F1 – The Russian invasion in Ukraine already had a major impact on Formula 1, whose Russian GP has been called off earlier today and Uralkali logos have been removed from Haas’ livery.
More drivers are speaking up to address their stance against a military conflict, as the whole world awaits continuous updates on the situation in Ukraine. Nikita Mazepin’s presence in Formula 1 might be in jeopardy right from the upcoming Bahrain testing session, in case Haas decides to part ways with Uralkali. However, Mazepin is not the only driver whose future in motorsport is clouded in uncertainty.
Over twenty drivers racing under the Russian flag are currently supported by SMP Racing, the team and motorsport management programme created in 2013 by Russian oligarch Boris Rotenberg, founder of SMP Bank. SMP-backed athletes range from GT Racing to feeder formulas, including Ferrari Driver Academy’s own Robert Shwartzman and Irina Sidorkova from W Series.
Moving on to the FIA WEC and ELMS, G-Drive Racing undoubtedly falls into the spotlight, as energy corporation PJSC Gazprom is its main funder. The squad, led by Roman Rusinov, recently announced its deal with Daniil Kvyat for the 2022 WEC season.
Hitech GP, whose team partner and team sponsors are respectively Uralchem and Uralkali, is involved in FIA F2, F3, British F3, Asian F3 and expanded its sporting programme to F4 UAE and British F4 with the advent of Gen 2 single-seaters. The Silverstone-based team holds major links with the Russian potash fertilizer producer and exporter, which may impact the normal course of its 2022 racing plans.
Furthermore, Haas officially removed Uralkali from its website in the partners’ list section, while a definitive update on their business relationship will be provided next week.
In the meatime, Liberty Media is set to be facing further calendar headaches in the attempt to replace the Russian Grand Prix on September 25, which would automatically become the first leg of a triple header before Singapore and Japan.
F1-Autore: Beatrice Zamuner – @beafunoat
Foto: Haas