Toto Wolff sympathizes with Nikita Mazepin’s situation but believes the bold decision was required to back the robust sanctions
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Haas F1 terminate Nikita Mazepin’s contract ahead of the 2022 Formula One season. The decisions were taken after Russia’s military conflict with Ukraine escalated to a full-fledged invasion resulting in the deaths of innocent lives.
The FIA and Formula One have taken strict actions against Russia their military invasion of Ukraine. Formula one recently terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix stating it will not be racing in Russia in the future. Even the UK’s Motorsports authority has decided to ban Russian drivers from participating in races held in the UK.
Mercedes F1 team’s CEO Toto Wolff commented on the situations surrounding Russia and Ukraine and how his team is dealing with the situation. He also put across his view surrounding the firing of Nikita MAzepin from Haas F1.
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Toto Wolff: “We have Russian and Ukrainian team members”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine multiple countries have imposed hefty sanctions on the country for its military invasion. Sporting bodies like IOC have imposed bans on Russian Athletes and teams. Fearing a ban impeding Nikita Mazepin, Haas decided to sever ties with the Russian title partnership of Uralkali ahead of the 2022 Formula One season.
“We have Ukrainians, and we have Russians on the team, and it’s certainly not easy for all the individuals that have families there also. It’s tough times, and certainly from a personal perspective as well, having grown up in Vienna with parents that come from a Slavic background,” shared Toto Wolff in an interview with Bloomberg.
Wolff commented on Nikita Mazepin’s situation stating “For Nikita himself it is difficult. He’s a guy that managed to be in Formula 1. He can drive. I think as an athlete himself, it’s difficult, but I think in a way to support the robust sanctions that have been implemented, you understand why it could go either direction.”
Pietro Fittipaldi is expected to take part in the next pre-season tests in Bahrain for Haas and replace Mazepin. The Official Pre-season test will begin from March 10th to 12th. It will be followed by the season premiere Bahrain GP on March 18.
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Tejas Venkatesh
(366 Articles Published)