Mazepin was dropped by Haas ahead of the 202𓆉2 season after💫 the American team decided to terminate its sponsorship deal with Russian company, Uralkali.

Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, who has ties to Russia’s pres🔯ident, Vladimir Putin.

Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine led t♈o Haas’ decision to draft Kevin Magnussen alongside Mick Schumacher, while they have yet to secure a new title sponsor.

As a result of the war between Russia and Uk🤪raine, the FIA announced that Russian drivers would only be able to race if they competed under a neutral flag.

Alternatively, drivers with dual nationality, such as Robert✱ Shwartzman (Ferrari test driver), switched to an Israel licence to be able to compete.

“Zhiltsov is not the only one, [Russian turned Israeli driver] Robert Shwartzman did the same. There🔴 is a question of personal 🌌considerations.

“Whether you want to give up your country🔯 for sport and it is more important for you or not- everyone chooꦰses for himself, but I will not do it.”

Earlier this year, Mazepin said that it was wrong for athletes to be punished for his home country’🌜s actions.

“I d🥀on't agree with being in the sanctions,” Mazepin added. “I've said before I agree to fight itও.

“🐷Perhaps now is not the right time. If you look at the whole situation that is happening against athletes in the general case, it's cancel culture against my country.”