By Andrew BensonChief F1 writer

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1

Breaking news

Nikita Mazepin, a Russian driver, was sacked by the team because of the invasion of Ukraine.

The title sponsor of the outfit, the Russian chemicals company, was also terminated.

A close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the billionaire father of Mazepin owns part of the company.

The replacement for Mazepin was expected to be announced early next week.

Pietro Fittipaldi, the reserve driver who stood in for Romain Grosjean at the end of the 2020 season, is said to be one of the drivers under consideration.

As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and sad by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a peaceful end to the conflict.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, which caused Mazepin to leave F1.

A number of leading Russian businessmen were invited to a meeting with Putin at the Kremlin hours after the invasion began.

In the middle of the first Formula 1 pre-season test in Spain, the red white and blue colors that had been on the car to represent the Russian flag were removed.

The governing body of the sport stopped short of banning Russian drivers from international competition. They have to compete as neutral athletes and sign a document agreeing not to support the invasion.

Russian competitors were banned from taking part in events in the UK by Motorsport UK this week.

There is debate as to whether this would ban a Russian driver from the British Grand Prix, as an F1 driver's super-licence contains a clause requiring national authorities to allow them to race.

That point is no longer relevant because of the decision by Haas to end their association with Mazepin.