Russian Nikita Mazepin, who was sacked by Haas in March 2022 after his home country invaded Ukraine, says he will not return to F1 under a neutral flag.

Mazepin, 23, arrived at Haas before the start of last Formula 1 season.

With his arrival, the American team received a significant financial package from Dmytro Mazepin, Nikita’s father.

However, as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, Haas decided to stop working with Nikita and Dmytro Mazepin.

Nikita Mazepin does not want to give up the Russian flag in order to participate in Formula 1

The FIA ​​allows Russian drivers to race, but only under a neutral flag, a decision that does not sit well with the 23-year-old driver.

“You shouldn’t judge people. We are athletes.

Everyone chooses, but I will not give up my country” – Nikita Mazepin for rssport.ria.ru, based on the materials of lefigaro.fr.

Dmytro Mazepin owned part of Uralkali, one of Haas’ sponsors, from which the team split.

The pilot and his father are under sanctions and listed by the European Union as persons “engaged in economic sectors that are a significant source of income for Russia,” News.ro reported.

Nikita Mazepin sued Haas for non-payment of wages

Mazepin claims to have sued the Haas team in a Swiss court for breach of contract.

“I am talking about violation of contractual obligations.

I signed the contract in Switzerland, so I decided to sue Haas in that country as well.

My lawyers took over the whole process and Haas was brought to court.” – Nikita Mazepin.

In April of this year, Italy seized property worth approximately 105 million euros belonging to Russian Nikita Mazepin and his oligarch father.