Russia’s Mazepin denies plans joining other racing series after exit from FIA Formula 1
On March 9, the auto racer announced the establishment of the ‘We Compete As One Athlete Support Foundation’ to support athletes, who were subjected to penalties under the current political situation
MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. Russia’s former racer of FIA Formula One Nikita Mazepin told journalists on Wednesday he had no plans of joining other racing series after F1 Team Haas severed a contract with him last week.
The Russian auto racer announced earlier in the day the establishment of the ‘We Compete As One Athlete Support Foundation’ to support athletes, who were subjected to penalties under the current political situation. Russia’s major fertilizer company Uralkali will sponsor the new foundation.
"I have never planned to compete in other championships," Mazepin told journalists. "My focus will be now within the foundation."
He also thanked some of Formula One racing drivers for his support stating that "I am grateful to a small group number of racers, who voiced their support."
"They are Valtteri [Botas], Carlos [Sainz Jr.], George [Russell] and Sergio [Perez]," Mazepin said. "I am grateful to them for their support in the times, when I was stripped of my dream and work."
FIA Formula One Team Haas announced on February 5 that it cancelled a contract with its racer Mazepin. The US-based F1 team also terminated its title sponsorship deal Russia’s major fertilizer company Uralkali.
Russian auto racer Nikita Mazepin, 23, signed a multi-year contract with Haas F1 Team in December 2020 becoming Russia’s fourth racer to compete in the world’s most prestigious auto racing series, FIA Formula 1. Nikita Mazepin’s best result at the legendary F1 racing circuits was 14th place.
Last week, the executive management of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Formula One has severed a contract on the organization of the F1 racing series Grands Prix on the territory of Russia. According to a statement from FIA F1 press office on March 3, "Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter. It means that Russia will no longer have a race in the future."
The FIA F1 executive management also announced a decision to cancel the 2022 F1 Grand Prix in Russia’s Sochi, scheduled for September 23-25.