Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has taken to social media to issue a heartfelt plea for an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
After weeks of Russian troops being moved towards the Ukrainian border, President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of their neighbours on Thursday morning.
The invasion, which includes a ground operation and aerial bombardment, has since been condemned by a multitude of nations as the world looks on in horror.
The European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States have all introduced sanctions against Putin and Russia.
Haas, who agreed a name partnership deal with Russia-based firm Uralkali las year, have dropped all branding of the company from their cars, trucks and motorhomes, but uncertainty remains over the future of their sponsorship.
Nikita Mazepin signed with the Banbury squad as part of the deal ahead of the 2021 season, and the 22-year-old’s future is now in doubt as his seat is being funded by Russian Oligarch and father Dmitry, who owns shares in Uralkali.
Team principal Guenther Steiner is unsure what the future holds for the Russian driver in the current situation.
“There are legal issues we have to go through and then we see what comes out,” he told Sky Sports.
“At the moment, we want to continue but there are external things which could happen that I cannot control.
“[Asking] me exactly what will happen in the next weeks or months, I do not know. He was here for testing this morning.”
He also added that the matter regarding his driver “needs to be resolved.”
Formula 1 itself has acted on the shocking developments in Eastern Europe by stating that it is “impossible” to hold a race in Russia in September under the current geopolitical climate.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, has also moved this year’s Champions League Final from St Petersburg to Paris in response to the “unprovoked” invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s troops.
Leclerc has joined Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel in publicly speaking out against the conflict.
“What is happening in Ukraine is incredibly sad and heart-breaking,” he said on Instagram.
“To see so many innocent people suffer from this situation is horrible, war should never be an option.
“My thoughts are with everyone going through this tragedy and I’m praying that all of this will be over as soon as possible.”