For the final day of pre-season testing, Haas will run a plain white livery in which all Uralkali branding is removed.
In light of today’s attacks on Ukraine, the place of Russian sponsors in sport has come under question quite severely, with Manchester Utd set to pull their sponsorship with Russian airline Aeroflot.
From the 2021 season, Haas F1 team secured a title sponsorship from Russian company Uralkali. Dmitry Mazepin, father of current driver Nikita Mazepin, is a key shareholder in the company, with a share of 20%.
As a result of this partnership, the recently revealed Haas livery, features red, blue and white branding that very closely resembles the Russian flag.
Given the escalating situation between Russia and Ukraine, many started questioning how tenable the partnership between Haas and Uralkali was. This was further heightened when team principle Gunther Steiner was pulled from today’s planned press conference.
In the past few minutes Haas F1 Team released a statement in which they said:
“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”
The spokesperson also confirmed that even with his close relationship to the company, “Nikita Mazepin will drive as planned in the morning session”.
“No further comment will be made at this time regarding team partner agreements”
No information has been given as to the status of branding on the team’s team wear for the session. However given it has been removed from the car, it is likely we will see any mention of Uralkali concealed or removed.
A meeting will be held tonight in Barcelona amongst F1 chiefs in which they will discuss plans for the upcoming Russian GP. This comes after Sebastian Vettel was very outspoken with a strong statement that he would not participate in the race.
For all updates on the evolving situation, follow all our socials at @joinef1.