Haas car revealed without Russian sponsor Uralkali following Ukraine invasion, Mazepin pulled from press conference

Formula One team Haas has removed the branding from Russian sponsor Uralkali from its cars for the final day of pre-season testing Barcelona, in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is an eye-catching statement from Haas, who previously donned their cars with Russian flags and Uralkali stickers as part of a sponsorship deal that was agreed last season.

Ad/> Uralkali is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, and reports have surfaced that his son Nikita has been pulled from the Haas lunch break press conference planned for Friday afternoon. Formula 1F1 testing: Leclerc tops the timesheets on day two, Perez breaks down18 HOURS AGO /> Haas released a statement on Thursday in relation to the omission of the Uralkali branding on its cars, which said: “Haas F1 Team will present its VF-22 in a plain white livery, minus Uralkali branding, for the third and final day of track running at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday, 25 February,' “Nikita Mazepin will drive as planned in the morning session with Mick Schumacher taking over in the afternoon.

No further comment will be made at this time regarding team partner agreements. “No further comment will be made at this time regarding team partner agreements." Masi replaced as race director after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy in Formula 1 restructure 'I will not go' – Vettel, Verstappen call for Russian GP to be scrapped after Ukraine invasion The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has thrown the Russian Grand Prix, due to take place in September, in serious doubt.