Haas to run rebranded F1 automobiles and Fittipaldi at Bahrain check
The relationship between Haas F1 and its Russian sponsor and driver turned untenable following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the proprietor of the United States-based Formula One group stated.
Gene Haas additionally stated his group was financially secure regardless of the choice Saturday to chop ties with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin and sponsor Uralkali. The Russian fertilizer firm is owned by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry Mazepin, an in depth ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“There was a lot of intense criticism about the Ukrainian invasion and it was just getting overwhelming. We can’t deal with all that, our other sponsors can’t deal with all that,” Haas informed The Associated Press on the beginning grid at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Logos for Haas Automation, the CNC machine software manufacturing firm Haas based, will likely be on his two automobiles at this week’s F1 check in Bahrain. Haas stated reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will fill Mazepin’s seat in Bahrain, however he wasn’t clear on a everlasting alternative.
“We’re in the process of looking at several candidates, we’ll see who is available and what we have to deal with, but we’ll have somebody by Wednesday,” Haas stated. “Pietro will definitely be in it, that’s what he’s for, he’s the test driver.” Fittipaldi is the grandson of two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi and ran two races for Haas in 2020 because the alternative for injured driver Romain Grosjean. The 25-year-old was born in Miami and holds twin citizenship in Brazil and the U.S.
But simply because Haas stated Fittipaldi will likely be within the automobile in Bahrain, that doesn’t imply he’ll be teammates this yr with Mick Schumacher. Haas final season overhauled his lineup with rookies Mazepin and Schumacher, the son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher.
Haas’ marketing strategy allowed for a tough 2021 season — Mazepin and Schumacher have been in the back of the grid almost each time on the observe — however the introduction of a brand new automobile and an improved engine this season might make the group extra aggressive. The Haas group additionally believes the 22-year-old Schumacher could be a international celebrity.
“I think we’re looking. I think we’d obviously like to get someone with a bit more actual experience,” Haas informed the AP. “We just have to see what’s available.” Haas additionally insisted that his CNC firm has at all times been the first supply of sponsorship for the F1 group and that Uralkali was solely “the title sponsor” in 2021 when each F1 automobiles have been branded within the colours of the Russian flag.
The Haas group final month scrambled to take away the Uralkali branding from its automobiles when Russia invaded Ukraine on the similar time F1 was testing in Barcelona.
Haas crew members have been seen scraping the logos off the group vans after the second of three days of testing, and the automobiles have been plain white for the ultimate session. It was vital, Haas stated, to take away the branding instantly even because the group studied its contracts to be taught its choices.
“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,” he stated.
He has dumped Uralkali however stated the group is okay. Haas additionally co-owns a prime NASCAR group with Tony Stewart.
“We’re good. We’re fine. We’d like more money, of course, but we’re fine,” he stated. “This just gives us a bigger negative number.”
