Pietro Fittipaldi is first in line to replace Nikita Mazepin if he is unable to continue driving for Haas.
Team principal Guenther Steiner confirmed the team’s reserve driver will have the “first call” on the seat. Steiner admitted earlier today that Mazepin’s future at the team is unsure as Haas may be about to split from title sponsor Uralkali.
Haas removed Uralkali’s logos and Russian colour scheme from their cars ahead of today’s third day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine yesterday.
Steiner said the team will decide next week on the future of the title sponsorship deal. The decision will also affect Mazepin’s future, as he is linked to the funding brought by the deal via his father, Uralkali chief Dmitry Mazepin.
The team already has a contingency plan in place if Mazepin does not continue. “If Nikita couldn’t drive, for one or another reason, the first call will go to Pietro,” Steiner told Bob Varsha….