Haas have decided to part company with Nikita Mazepin ahead of the new Formula One season, according to reports.
An FIA ruling had cleared the Russian to race this season, albeit under a neutral flag and with Russian liveries removed from his car.
But Sky Sports Germany say that Haas have decided to ditch Mazepin in favour of Pietro Fittipaldi.
The decision to unseat Mazepin is believed to be linked to the decision to replace Uralkali as Haas' main sponsor. The potash fertiliser producer is owned by Mazepin's father, Dmitry Mazepin - believed himself to have close contacts with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Ralf Schumacher's nephew, Mick, is Mazepin's teammate at Haas, and told Sky Sports Germany, "This complete separation has to happen now.
"We have two factors: On the one hand, there is external pressure and, on the other hand, the fact that Haas is an American team. But Günther Steiner [Haas team boss] emphasised that the team is financially broad enough.
"I can also imagine that one or the other sponsor will come around the corner. I think the team will make up this shortfall."
Along with other F1 teams, Haas have been testing in Barcelona this week but are due to move on to Bahrain next week. It now seems they'll do so without Mazepin.
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