Mazepin breaks silence over Russia-Ukraine situation

Nikita Mazepin has insisted he is focusing on "what I can control" after becoming engulfed in the midst of political tension over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian driver, whose father Dmitry owns main sponsor of Haas, Uralkali, has come under fire on social media over the past few days over Mazepin Sr's ties with the country's government.

President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, leading to the Russian Grand Prix being axed by F1 in the wake of the escalation.

Haas has also removed the Uralkali logos and red and blue of Russia for the remainder of the first pre-season test.

Calls are ramping up for the father and son duo to be ditched by the team but in a tweet posted during the lunch break on day three of the Barcelona test, Mazepin Jr broke his silence.

"To my fans and followers - it's a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done," he wrote.

"I'm choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my Haas F1 Team. My deepest thanks for your understanding and support."

To my fans and followers - it's a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done. I'm choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team . My deepest thanks for your understanding and support. ?

— Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) February 25, 2022

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