Mazepin creates a foundation to support drivers excluded from competitions
Nikita Mazepin extensively discussed his departure from Haas during a press conference this morning. He also announced the establishment of a foundation to support drivers excluded from the sport for non-sporting reasons.
In a press conference held this morning, Nikita Mazepin, recently departed from Haas, shared his impressions on his departure and announced the creation of “We Compete As One,” a foundation to help drivers excluded from competitions due to non-sporting reasons, which will be funded by Uralkali, his father’s company and former sponsor of Haas.
As you know, I lost my contract to compete in Formula 1. The FIA had allowed me to race as a neutral athlete, but [Haas] has decided to terminate my contract. Because of this, I have decided to create a foundation that will support athletes who have lost the opportunity to compete at the highest level due to non-sporting reasons. This foundation will provide them with employment, financial and psychological support, and legal assistance if they want to challenge this situation. It will be called “We Compete As One.”
The Russian driver also extensively discussed the reasons for his dismissal from Haas. Haas’ decision was not based on any directive from the FIA, nor on any sanctions that would have been imposed on me, my father, or his company. I find it unfair, regretted Nikita Mazepin. I have a question. Is there no room for neutrality in sports? Does an athlete have the right to have an opinion without making it public? Should he be punished for that? We know of examples where countries have refused to compete against others in the Olympic Games for geopolitical reasons. In the 80s, we saw a generation of athletes lose their dreams and their chances to compete at a high level when countries started boycotting each other.
Mazepin also revealed that he has not received any message from Haas since his departure. [I have not received anything] since the statement about being sidelined. I have not received any messages from Günther Steiner, nor from Mick Schumacher. It’s in moments like this that you truly see who people really are. However, the Russian has received messages of support from other drivers. I really appreciated the few drivers who contacted me. Sergio [Perez], Valtteri [Bottas], Charles [Leclerc], and George [Russell]. I am very grateful to them because they have all been through moments where they could have lost their seats, and they support me during this period where I have lost my dream and my seat.
