F1 drivers come together for Ukraine in Bahrain

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A day before teams resume their pre-season preparations in Bahrain, Formula 1's class of 2022 came together on Wednesday evening at Sakhir to show its support for Ukraine.

The group, from which Lewis Hamilton was missing as the Briton had not yet arrived in Bahrain, sported a 'No War' t-shirt and stood in front of a flag of Ukraine, showing its support for the country recently invaded by Russia.

Earlier in the day, ousted Haas driver Nikita Mazepin had held a press conference in which he denounced the US outfit's decision to fire him and to sever ties with Russian title sponsor Uralkali, insisting Haas had "no legal reason" to terminate his contract.

However, it came to light on Wednesday afternoon that Mazepin and his father Dmitry Mazepin - the majority shareholder of Uralkali – had both been added to the European Union's sanction list of Russian oligarchs.

The EU argued that Dmitry Mazepin's meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin on February 24 – the day Russia invaded Ukraine - was evidence that he is "supporting or implementing actions or policies" which threaten Ukraine.

The sanctions imposed on Russia's oligarchs typically include travel restrictions as well as the freeze of assets outside of Russia.

Read also: Mazepin 'learned he was axed from Haas press release'

Formula 1's action of solidarity in Bahrain was preceded on Tuesday by news that Ferrari had donated €1 million to a special fund administered by the Emilia-Romagna region to help those Ukrainians whose lives have been impacted by the conflict.

"Ferrari stands alongside everyone in Ukraine affected by this ongoing humanitarian crisis," said Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna. "While we hope for a rapid return to dialogue and a peaceful solution, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of everyone affected.

"Our thoughts and support go out to them. We are playing our small part alongside the institutions that are bringing immediate relief to this situation."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.