Artem Severiukhin, 15, stretched his right arm on the podium of the European Karting Championship on Sunday, before bursting out laughing.
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The case embarrasses the International Automobile Federation. On Monday April 11, the body has announced the opening of an investigation after the apparent Nazi salute of a young Russian driver, participating under the Italian flag in a European Karting Championship race in Portugal.
FIA Statement pic.twitter.com/rLIvW21PaK
— FIA (@fia) April 11, 2022
On Sunday, on the first place of the podium, Artem Severiukhin struck his heart twice with his fist before extending his right arm in a gesture suspected of being a Nazi salute. A video captured by the championship shows the young 15-year-old driver laughing. In its press release, the FIA mentions a “unacceptable conduct”.
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the FIA does not allow Russian drivers to compete under their banner. Flying under the Italian flag, so that’s the anthem transalpine which was played during this podium.
Despite its apologies in a video posted on Instagram, and its denial of any Nazi salute, the Ward Racing team decided to break its contract. “Ward Racing sees no possibility of further cooperation with Artem Severiukhin and will proceed with the termination of his racing contract”she said in a statement.