Gene Haas admits splitting with Uralkali was the only option following the “overwhelming” criticism of Russia following their invasion of Ukraine.
Last weekend, the American outfit confirmed it had terminated contracts with the company and driver Nikita Mazepin. This came after Haas initially removed all branding and the Russia-themed livery from its car prior to the final day of the first Formula 1 pre-season test in Barcelona late last month.
Explaining his decision to the Associated Press, Haas acknowledged the partnership with Uralkali was no longer tenable in the wake of political events.
“There was a lot of intense criticism about the Ukrainian invasion and it was just getting overwhelming,” he said. “We can’t deal with all that, our other sponsors can’t deal with all that.”
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Given the significant money that came from the partnership, there was questions as to whether Haas could survive without it, however…
“Haas has always been the major, primary sponsor, I don’t know why people said it became a Russian team. Haas Automation was always on the car,” Gene replied.
“We’re good. We’re fine. We’d like more money, of course, but we’re fine,” he added. “This just gives us a bigger negative number.”
Haas is now deciding who will take the seat left by Mazepin, with reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi confirmed for the upcoming test in Bahrain that starts on Thursday.
But the Brazilian may not be who lines up on the starting grid for the opening round in the Middle East state on March 20.
“We’re in the process of looking at several candidates,” Haas confirmed, “we’ll see who is available and what we have to deal with, but we’ll have somebody by Wednesday.”
Former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi, who is now a reserve driver at Ferrari, is a name widely mentioned.
The Italian is understood to have a clause in his current Formula E contract that would free him to race in F1.
But with a lack of sponsorship, it’s possible Haas may look for another driver with financial backing to recoup some of their losses.
