With Nikita Mazepin’s future in Formula One still unclear, Mick Schumacher’s uncle, Ralf Schumacher, thinks that the Russian’s departure would be a “positive option” for the American team.
In the present conditions, Ralf Schumacher thinks that Nikita Mazepin’s departure from the Haas team is the “only correct decision.”
The future of the Russian driver in Formula One is questionable, as the country’s invasion of Ukraine continues to have consequences in the motorsport.
New FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem convened an emergency appointment of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) earlier this week to resolve the problem.
Following this, the FIA released a statement confirming that Russian drivers will be permitted to race in their respective championships in an independent capacity and under the ‘FIA flag,’ subject to certain restrictions.
Mazepin’s position is further complicated by Haas’ refusal to comment on the statement.
Mazepin-Haas split could be a “good decision”
It’s a “tough” scenario for Mazepin, according to Schumacher, who is also the uncle of Mazepin’s partner, Mick Schumacher.
“It’s a shame for Nikita, who can’t do anything about it at all,” Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany.
“It’s a difficult situation, but the separation is the only right option at the moment. From a sporting point of view, the separation can be quite a good decision for the team.”
After the team removed its branding at the last pre-season test in Barcelona, the former F1 racer anticipates Haas to cut connections with sponsor Uralkali, a Russian potash fertiliser manufacturer and exporter.
“It has to come to this complete separation now,” Schumacher said.
“We have two factors: one is the pressure from outside and the other is the fact that Haas is a US team.”
“It has to come to this complete separation now,” Schumacher said.
“We have two factors: one is the pressure from outside and the other is the fact that Haas is a US team.”
Guenther Steiner, the head of the Haas team, has already sought to assuage fears that the team might suffer financially if Uralkali was dropped as their headline sponsor.
In this regard, Schumacher is also unconcerned about Haas’ future, believing that another backer will be found.
“Guenther Steiner has stressed that the team is financially broad enough,” the German added.
“I can also imagine that one or the other sponsor will now come around the corner. I believe that the team will fill this gap.”
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