“I Didn’t Talk to Him” – Guenther Steiner Affirms Nikita Mazepin’s Harsh Haas F1 Sacking

As the F1 teams are gearing up for the new season, Haas find themselves struggling with issues off the track. Not only did the American team terminate Nikita Mazepin’s contract, amid the tension between Russia and Ukraine, but they also ended their partnership with Uralkali, owned by Nikita’s father, Dmitry Mazepin.

Earlier, the FIA announced that the Russian and Belarusian drivers can race with a neutral flag. However, Haas let go of Mazepin, much to the dissatisfaction of the Russian driver. Moreover, Guenther Steiner has reconfirmed that he communicated the decision to let go of Nikita Mazepin in a written manner.

What did Guenther Steiner Say?

Guenther Steiner revealed he conveyed the termination of Mazepin’s contract in writing. He also stated that he did not hear from the Russian driver and was only made aware of Mazepin’s statement on social media. He said, “I only did that in writing. [I have] not spoken to him.”

The Italian admitted he felt sorry for Mazepin and revealed that everyone has to accept it and look forward. He added, “The external circumstances, which neither I nor he can change, are just the way they are. You have to live with it and move on. I see it as part of life.”

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Unsurprisingly, Nikita Mazepin was far from happy with the decision taken by Haas. However, he vowed to continue working on his dream of driving an F1 car again. Alongside this, the Russian Driver also announced that he would start a foundation entitled “We Compete As One” for all the athletes who are kept from participating in their respective sports due to the ongoing conflict.

Does Haas have the funding to stay in F1?

With now Kevin Magnussen behind the wheel, Haas can be content with the driver lineup. But with their title sponsors no longer in the picture, Haas’ financial trouble may still very well persist. Steiner revealed that the last few weeks have been difficult with all the issues on and off the grid. However, he remains positive ahead of the new season.

He conveyed, “The last two or three weeks have been quite exhausting and tedious. [But] the worst should be over. It can only go up. We are always good for a surprise when there is drama!”

Haas’ decision to end their contract with Uralkali means that the Russian company is demanding the repayment of their investments. Steiner admitted they will lose money, but is certain that it will not hinder their stay in Formula 1. “It’s a very complex matter, even for legal experts,” he explained. “The team is financially stable. You don’t have to worry about the team. That’s the most important thing for me.”

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Considering all this, Haas is surely not having the best of starts to the season. However, Magnussen finishing P1 on the timesheet at the end of the second day of testing in Bahrain is definitely promising. Fans and experts believe the other teams did not show their full pace, but it would have boosted the confidence of the American team. Can Haas surprise the F1 World this season? Only time will tell.