via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – Jose Carlos Pace Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil – November 11, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – Jose Carlos Pace Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil – November 11, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has taken the world by storm. The ensuing war has got at the edge of their seats, following the latest developments eagerly. It has also affected the world of Formula One, as the American team Haas F1 has a Russian title sponsor.
Uralkali, owned by Russian Oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, is the title sponsor of the Haas F1 team. Dmitry’s son Nikita Mazepin is also one of the drivers of the American team. According to reports, Mazepin and Uralkali bring in a substantial amount to the team that was fighting for its survival in the sport.
Losing Mazepin's funding will be a big financial blow to Gene Haas, but he uses @HaasF1Team as a marketing tool to grow @Haas_Automation, so he hasn't been overly concerned with the team being profitable.
🔳 Haas told @FT in 2017 that losing $40M a year in F1 was a good deal. pic.twitter.com/pExeRT4H82
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 28, 2022
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But after the team announced the removal of Uralkali from being the title sponsor for the time being amid the chaos, it became obvious the decision could be a huge financial blow to team owner Gene Haas. Nikita Mazepin brings in a lot of money for the team and losing that would impact the team as well.
The American had previously revealed that he was ready to take a loss of $40 million in F1.
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Gene Haas doesn’t want to sell his team: Michael Andretti
As reported by Motorsport, after dropping Uralkali as their title sponsor, it would be interesting to see how Haas remains liquid in the sport. One option for the team would be to sell the team to someone else.
Former F1 driver Michael Andretti revealed he has tried several times to buy the team from Gene, but the American was not interesting in selling it.
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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
“Gene Haas doesn’t want to sell his team. But if he changes his mind, he can call me. He has my number and that can make our situation easier.
“My last meeting with him was in October or November. He told me he didn’t care if his team had to compete in the back row. He felt that the project he was running was already quite profitable,” said Andretti.
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But the Haas team principal recently came out and mentioned the team is fine financially. But it would be really interesting to see how the team gets itself financially solid once again in the sport.
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