F1 NEWS

  The Haas F1 team has announced it has terminated its contract with Nikita Mazepin and     title sponsor Uralkali with immediate affect after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.   On 24 February, Russian forces ordered by president Vladimir Putin began an invasion on neighbouring Ukraine, which has so far spanned a week . The invasion has been condemned by Western nations, with sanctions being imposed from countries worldwide on Russia. Sporting authorities have also moved in recent days to ban Russian athletes and sporting events, though motorsport governing body the FIA has only so far banned Russian and Belarusian drivers from competing under their national flags. During the Barcelona pre-season F1 test, when war broke out in Ukraine, Haas moved to strip its cars of Uralkali   branding and Mazepin’s future remained unclear given his family ties to Putin. But on Saturday morning, Haas announced it had parted ways with both Russian chemical giant Uralkali and Mazepin. A short statement

  Aston Martin are evaluating the viability of creating their own Formula 1 power unit for 2026, when revised engine regulations are set to be introduced. Billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll is heavily investing in the Silverstone-based operation, with construction already under way on a new fit-for-purpose factory that will house a new wind tunnel and simulator, as he bids to transform the team into world title contenders. Aston Martin currently run a Mercedes power unit and also take the world champion’s gearbox and rear suspension. But going forward, Technical Director Andrew Green said they are looking into going it alone and creating their own engine. “I think going forward with our ambitions, we’re definitely investigating our power unit supply in the long-term,” said Green, at the launch of the AMR22. “2026 is mooted as a new power unit regulation and I think, as a team, we’d love to be involved. “We have Aramco now involved as a sponsor and I think conversations going forward in

  Krack started work at Aston Martin this week after serving out his notice with BMW, his previous employer. The team is undergoing a management restructuring while also building a new campus adjacent to the existing factory. Krack worked closely with Vettel when he first arrived in F1 with BMW Sauber as a test and reserve driver in 2006, and thus knows him well. The German is currently only committed to the team for the 2022 season. “It's clear that a guy like Sebastian, a four-time world champion, he does not want to be 15th or 12th or P8,” said Krack. “That's clear. It is our task to deliver a performing car, or let’s say performing structure, because I think Sebastian is a clever guy. “So he will not be focusing just on this year's car or whatever, but focusing more on what is happening, and if he sees the potential. “So if we can manage to offer this to him, I think we have a chance to keep him for longer. "To be honest with you, I have not spoken with him about i