Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was axed by Haas after his country’s invasion of Ukraine
(Picture: Getty Images)Haas are being chased for a full refund from former sponsors Uralkali after the team ended their partnership and axed Nikita Mazepin.
The Russian driver, who had been cleared to compete in Formula 1 this season as a neutral, said Haas had “no legal reason” to sack him.
And the 23-year-old revealed he would use some of the reimbursed Haas funds to set up a foundation to help athletes unable to compete because of “political reasons”, starting with the Russian Paralympic team.
Mazepin said Russian athletes had been “collectively punished just for the passports they hold”. The We Compete As One Foundation will, he said, offer help in finding jobs, legal aid and psychological support.
Uralkali has claimed it has already paid its sponsorship up front for the 2022 season and will be seeking an immediate and full refund.
Mazepin, meanwhile, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday revealed he had heard of his sacking just days away from the start of the season via the media.
“I was planning to start as a neutral athlete,” he said. “The FIA allowed it. I had no problem with that but… I was fired.
“I deserved more support from the team. There is no legal reason to terminate the contract. I lost my dream I had been working on for 18 years.”
