Team Haas – US racing team in Russian colors
Officially, Haas is considered a US team. But the closeness to the Russian main sponsor was more than obvious recently: The fact that the car was painted in Russian national colors in addition to the Uralkali lettering last season even called WADA onto the scene at the time: Because starting under the Russian flag has been a thing since the scandal banned by Russian state doping.
UK Motorsport: Banned from starting at Silverstone
The British motorsport association, in turn, gave way on Wednesday (March 2nd, 2022), less than 24 hours after the FIA decision: Motorsport UK announced a ban for Russia and Belarus from all motorsport events on British soil. So also for the Grand Prix in Silverstonein which mazepin then should not start. The association made it clear that no driver, no officials and no team under a Russian license were permitted on British racetracks. This decision was taken in accordance with the British Government. “We would like to encourage the motorsport movement and our fellow federations worldwide to comply with the IOC requirements and do whatever we can to end this war“said David Richards, Chairman of UK Motorsport – certainly also to the address of the World Automobile Council.
It is possible that the FIA is also playing for time with its wait-and-see attitude, there are still two weeks to the start of the season. The fact that Haas will continue to start with the major sponsor from outlawed Russia is no longer considered certain. Test drives are currently underway in Barcelona, the racing team had already removed the Uralkali logo and the Russian colors of the major sponsor from the car after the Russian attack on the Ukraine last Friday, as well as from the garage and motor home.
Speculations about the exit of Uralkali
Lawyers should deal with the progress of the relationship between the team and the sponsor. “A solution must be found“said team boss Günther Steiner recently and announced results. But the season was definitely “financially secured“, emphasized Steiner, “even with a separation from sponsor Uralkali.”
The fact that the names of Pietro Fittipaldi and Antonio Giovinazzi traded. As a possible replacement driver for Nikita Mazepin.
Source: red/sid/dpa