Haas F1 team change car livery and remove Russia paint job as Ukraine war begins

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Formula 1 team Haas announced they will scrap the Russia-themed paint job on their car, as well as remove the branding of sponsor Uralkali, for their pre-season test in Barcelona.

The Russian fertiliser and exportation company has sponsored Haas since 2021 and are also part owned by Dmitry Mazepin – father of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin.

Haas’ announcement came shortly after Russia’s ‘full-scale invasion of Ukraine’ which has already seen 40 people killed in a series of attacks across Ukraine.

And they announced the livery of their VF-22 car will take on a plain white style, without Uralkali’s normally visible branding, for the third day of testing in Barcelona.

But while they have struck off the Russian designs and branding on the car, Mazepin will keep his place in the team.

“Haas F1 team will present its VF-22 in a plain white livery, minus Uralkali branding for the third and final day of track running at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya on Friday 25 th February,” a statement released by Haas said.

“Nikita Mazepin will drive as planned in the morning session with Mick Schumacher taking over in the afternoon. No further comment will be made at the time regarding team partner agreements.”

Russian driver Mazepin is also the son of Dmitry Mazepin, a part-owner and significant stakeholder in Uralkali.

As well as bank-rolling his son’s ascent into F1, he is also believed to harbour ambitions of becoming a F1 team owner.

The announcement to scrap the Russian paint job and Uralkali’s branding also proceeds Haas’ decision to pull team principal Guenther Steiner from a scheduled press conference.

The cancelling of his press conference is believed to have been influenced by the terrifying and sudden advancements in the conflict in Ukraine.

Over 200 different attacks are believed to have been carried out across Ukraine by Russian forces.

F1 driving ace Sebastian Vettel has also spoken out on the violence, not only stating the Russian Grand Prix should be cancelled, but that he would not attend if it is allowed to be held.

  • Formula One
  • Russia
  • Ukraine
  • Boris Johnson
  • Lewis Hamilton
  • Sebastian Vettel

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