Mazepin joins father Dmitry on EU sanctions blacklist

The move means Mazepin, 23, would have been unable to compete in any of the races even if his contract had not been terminated.

The Russian spoke earlier to reporters by video link from Moscow, hitting back at Haas and announcing a foundation to support athletes prevented from competing due to war or politics.

The official journal of the European Union described Belarus-born chemicals billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, who has funded his son's racing career, as "a member of the closest circle" of president Vladimir Putin.

It said Nikita Mazepin was "a natural person associated with a leading businessperson (his father) involved in economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of the Russian Federation."

Speaking to reporters, the driver had said he would have competed as a neutral in accordance with the rules of the governing FIA.

Asked three times how he could truly be 'neutral' given his father's apparent ties to the Kremlin, Mazepin avoided answering the question.

Russian potash company Uralkali, owned by Mazepin senior, was Haas's title sponsor until the team removed all branding and ended the deal.

Haas announced on Wednesday that their former Danish driver Kevin Magnussen would be making a comeback as Mazepin's replacement.

Mazepin said the "We Compete as One" foundation would be funded by money that would have been used to sponsor Haas, although Uralkali said much of that had been paid already.

No financial details were given and there was no comment from the team.

As for the termination, Mazepin said in a virtual news conference on Wednesday: "I did not expect Haas would break the contract with me. I didn't see it coming. It was a very painful and unexpected situation for me."

F1 had already terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix, and Mazepin said Haas informed him of his firing through an attorney.

"There has been no legal reason for the team to terminate my contract. I lost my dream," lamented Mazepin.

Motorsport's governing body FIA has banned Russia from all international events but allows individual drivers as neutrals without their national symbols, flags, colors and anthems.

The F1 world championship season begins March 20 in Bahrain and the FIA said drivers must sign its principles of peace and neutrality and "to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Mazepin said he would have signed it but added that he was looking into further clauses of the document when he was fired.

Daniil Kvyat, another Russian driver, has not signed the document and there's been indication he will not be permitted to compete in the upcoming World Endurance Championship season that begins next week in Sebring, Florida.

Mazepin said he only would have signed the document in order to compete but there is no point now that he has no job. He also opened his news conference with a statement about the war, but did not condemn Russia's actions or answer whether or not he can be viewed as a neutral athlete considering his father's relationship with Putin.

"Those who don't live in this part of the world, or were not born here, will only see a part of it. Those of us in Russia or Ukraine see it on many more levels. I have friends and relatives who have, by force of fate, found themselves on both sides of this conflict.

"Regarding the conflict that is ongoing, I have stated my views and my position. There will be no more information," concluded Mazepin whose career in F1 spanned one forgettable season with Haas in which 14th place was his best result.