Nikita Mazepin to Use Uralkali F1 Sponsorship Money to Start ‘We Compete as One’ Foundation

The situation in Europe between Russia and Ukraine has created ripples in world sports. Sports organizations all around the world have been boycotting Russian and Belarusian athletes. Even F1 has not cut its ties with the Russian GP. In addition, these global tensions have also landed Haas in turmoil. The American team has dropped off their title sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin.

In the light of recent events driver, Nikita Mazepin has announced the launch of a charity that will help such athletes in peril. The charity aims to aid athletes stuck in political issues to compete at the highest level.

Mazepin’s foundation

The Russian driver wants to help others like him, who were forbidden from competing due to reasons out of their control. Nikita’s father, Dmitry Mazepin, will support him in this venture. The Uralkali team will use the Haas sponsorship money to fund this program of theirs.

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When asked about the exclusivity of the organization, Mazepin said, “The foundation will allocate resources both financial and non-financial to those athletes who have spent their lives preparing for Olympics or Paralympics, or other top events, only to find that they were forbidden from competing and collectively punished just because of the passport they held,” 

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The 23-year-old recently lost his F1 drive due to the tensions in Europe. But his response to the situation and the subsequent gesture shows maturity beyond his years.

What Haas has in store for 2022?

Haas is slowly trying to find its way out of the current situation. They have been dealing with major blows from circumstances out of their control. The American team’s make-or-break season is going far from smoothly up till now.

The sacking of their sponsor and their driver leaves the F1 team in a spot they wouldn’t wish upon their rivals. However, they have been slowly working on their way out. Currently, they find themselves amidst a driver debate before the 2022 season kicks off in Bahrain.