Haas give "no guarantees" over Mazepin future

Guenther Steiner has conceded there are "no guarantees" over Nikita Mazepin's future with Haas.

Mazepin joined F1 with Haas last season, heavily backed by father Dmitry, who owns potash fertiliser producer and exporter Uralkali that is the team's primary sponsor.

The company saw its sponsorship removed from the VF-22 during pre-season testing in Barcelona, as well as the blue and red colours of the Russian flag, after the country embarked on war with Ukraine.

Steiner has confirmed talks are to take place next week over the legal ramifications of its ties with Uralkali.

But asked in a media briefing including GPFans if it was worth the 'hassle' of sticking with the Mazepins, he said: "I would say we have to see how it develops over the next few weeks with the scenario in Ukraine and then we will go from there.

"There are legal issues we have to go through and then we will see what comes out."

Asked to confirm there was no guarantee over Mazepin Jr's position with the team and how he was dealing with the situation, Steiner replied: "He puts a tough face on it.

"For sure, it bothers him because it is his home country, Russia.

"There are no guarantees anywhere, we just need to see how this all develops. There are more than just F1 teams involved, there are governments involved and also, I have no idea what is coming from that side."

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