via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – February 25, 2022 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during testing REUTERS/Albert Gea
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – February 25, 2022 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during testing REUTERS/Albert Gea
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has reached to Formula One as well. The sport was preparing itself for the 2022 season and would have visited Russia in September. However, due to the complicated conditions, the race has been canceled. Furthermore, the recent conflict has also led the Haas F1 team to drop their title sponsor, Uralkali.
Here’s the first look at the Haas without the Uralkali branding. They’ll be running a plain white livery today. #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Hpq7LZYki8
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) February 25, 2022
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Haas team principal Guenther Steiner revealed that the team is in a good position despite dropping Uralkali as the sponsor. Steiner revealed he has full backing from team owner Gene Haas going into the 2022 season.
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It doesn’t disturb the team on the competitive side: Haas F1 boss
As reported by Formula Passion, the German mentioned the decision to drop Uralkali does not affect them competitively. He also suggested the team is fine financially as well, despite losing the Russian company and its influx of money.
“It’s something that causes problems, but it doesn’t disturb the team on the competitive side. Financially, we are fine. This story will not have repercussions on the team and on this season’s plans. There are more ways to get funding, there is no problem on that front, ” said Steiner.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 7, 2021, Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner talks in the Team Principals Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
The decision to drop the Russian company does disrupt their season preparations as they had not prepared for this situation.
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“We have not planned this scenario. Obviously, we will not be sitting and still. I talked to the team and said there is nothing to worry about: this is an obstacle on the road that we did not expect and that no one expected or wanted.
As a team, we made the right decision with the removal of the Uralkali brand at Montmeló. We sent a message to everyone and even Gene agrees with this decision,” said the Haas team boss.
It is truly unfortunate that the American team is stuck in this situation. Hopefully, the team can sort out the situation before the beginning of the first race of the season in Bahrain.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 28, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
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