Barcelona, Feb 25: American-owned F1 team Haas dropped the sponsorship of Russian company Uralkali on its car on the final day of preseason testing in Barcelona where Mercedes and Red Bull were the fastest in action early Friday.
Haas’ driving lineup includes Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian driver on the Formula One grid this season. Its decision to drop the sponsor came a day after four-time champion Sebastian Vettel said he would not race at the Russian Grand Prix in September because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Haas F1 Team will present its VF-22 in a plain white livery, minus Uralkali branding, for the third and final day of track running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” the team said in a statement.
“Nikita Mazepin will drive as planned in the morning session with Mick Schumacher taking over in the afternoon.”
Mazepin has not yet spoken publicly after Russia’s attack on Ukraine. (AP)
