Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher’s son has spoken out after Haas terminated Russian teammate Nikita Mazepin’s deal
Formula 1 rookie Mick Schumacher says ex-team-mate Nikita Mazepin’s replacement Kevin Magnussen will be “good for me and the team” after the termination of the agreement with Russia after the start of the attack on Ukraine.
Frustrated, Mazepin called Haas’s decision to remove him and end his partnership with main sponsor Uralkali, which is partly owned by his billionaire father, Dmitry, a « unfair » movement that was « based on nothing ».
Team USA released a statement on March 5 announcing Mazepin’s abrupt departure less than three weeks before the start of the new season, adding that he was “shocked and saddened” by the attack on Ukraine.
F1 newcomers Mazepin and Schumacher had a disappointing debut for Haas, failing to earn a single point in a season that began with the team parading Russian flag livery on its cars.
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The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher outclassed Mazepin during the season and is clearly excited about the arrival of Magnussen, who drove for Haas from 2017-2020 after individual seasons with McLaren Mercedes, McLaren Honda and Renault.
« It’s definitely beneficial for me and for the team,“, the 22-year-old said of the Dane, speaking to the media in remarks reported by RacingNews365.com.
« He’s been in it for four years and then obviously had a one-year break. Everyone loves him on the team.
“The emotion and the feeling in the team are really good. It’s a good reference, so it’s only positive for now.
“Obviously I can benefit from his experience and I also think he is a good reference.
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“Now I have the opportunity to measure myself and have the pressure, and try to deliver under pressure too. He brought very good things to the team. »
Mazepin claimed last week that he learned of his departure through a press release and has yet to receive any communication from the team.
The former Formula 2 driver was eager to start the season despite being banned from competing in the British Grand Prix following a Motorsport UK ruling on Russian and Belarusian drivers.
Russian fertilizer giant Uralkali has announced that it will seek damages and reimbursement of sponsorship money that has already been paid to Haas ahead of the season.
Magnussen set the fastest time in trials ahead of Bahrain’s opener on March 20 before Schumacher set the fastest second lap on Saturday.
The 29-year-old competed in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and IndyCar Series last year.
“What a great feeling to be back in the car,” he told his Instagram following more than 627,000 following the session with Haas. » [It] was great fun – my neck disagrees, though. »
