See what Formula One drivers did ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain

 

Formula One drivers gathered for a photo in support of Ukraine ahead of pre-season testing

 

The drivers including Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and George Russell all wore t-shirts with the caption ‘No War’.

Hamilton has regularly posted on social media since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, today commenting: ‘My heart is with the couragous people of Ukraine who are standing firmly with their values of freedom and peace.

‘I’m certain I’m not alone in feeling our day to day feels heavier, and sometimes trivial, knowing this crisis is happening in our world.’

Another driver who was absent was new Haas signing Kevin Magnussen.

The Danish driver who had been replaced at the team for the 2021 season, has returned after the US based outfit parted ways with Nikita Mazepin and Russian sponsor Uralkali.

Announcement of Magnussen’s signing was not made until after the photo had already been taken.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mazepin revealed his fury over the way he was dismissed, claiming he felt safe in the team after the first pre-season test in Barcelona until he was suddenly fired.

According to journalist CezaryGutowski, he said: ‘First of all, I want to say that I understand that the world is not like it was two weeks ago. It was an extremely painful time for both you and me. People who are not here see it from a different angle. We in Russia and Ukraine see it’s on many other levels.

‘I was planning to start as a neutral athlete. The FIA allowed it. I had no problem with that, but the night before my contract was terminated, additional directives came out and as we started to analyse them, I got a message the next morning that the contract was cancelled. I was fired.

‘I deserved more support from the team. I was relieved to see that the FIA allowed us to start in neutral colours. I was hoping to drive. Then everything changed and I lost the dream I had been working for for 18 years.

‘I heard about my Haas sacking, like everyone else, from the press. I didn’t deserve it.

‘I was very disappointed with how it played out. I hadn’t been worried since I left Barcelona.

‘Formula One is not a closed chapter for me. I will be ready to race in case there is an opportunity to return. I wish all the best to the drivers who will replace me. They have nothing to do with the existing situation.’

The contract of the Russian Grand Prix has also been cancelled after drivers including four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and 2021 champion Max Verstappen had called for the race to not take place this season.

As reported by ESPN, Ferrari confirmed on Tuesday meanwhile that they will donate €1 million to Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country.