Haas cuts ties with Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin ahead of 2022 season

With Formula One's 2022 season set to start in two weeks, Haas is looking for a replacement after parting with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.

Mazepin, 23, was set to begin his second season with the team after joining in early 2021, but the Haas team terminated his contract Saturday amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

"Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin," Haas F1 Team said in a statement. "As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict."

The decision comes shortly after F1 cleared the way for Mazepin to compete, so long as he competed under a neutral flag and signed a document forbidding public support of Russia's military action. The Russian Grand Prix, which set to be held in September, was canceled.

In a statement, Mazepin said he was willing to accept the conditions in order to compete, but his efforts were "completely ignored" by Haas.