Hitech Grand Prix follows Haas in terminating Uralkali sponsorship deal

The Formula 2 and Formula 3 outfit follows Haas’ lead on cutting ties with the company amid Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Hitech ran its cars without the Uralkali branding during the three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain last week as the conflict between the two countries continued.

A statement from the team said: “Hitech Grand Prix has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the sponsorship agreement of Uralkali.

“As with the rest of the motorsport community, the team are shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wish for a swift and peaceful end to the ongoing conflict.”

Haas ended its own partnership with Uralkali after deciding to run a plain white livery on the final day of the Barcelona test.

The American outfit officially terminated the deal on Saturday, as well as sacking Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.

His father, Dmitry Mazepin, is the CEO of Uralkali, who has sponsored Hitech since 2016.

Nikita Mazepin drove for the team in F3 and then F2, before making the step up into F1 with Haas, sponsored by Uralkali.