The International Automobile Federation explained doing so “in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee” after the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops in Ukraine.
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Russian or Belarusian drivers will be able to participate under a neutral flag in competitions of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), in particular in Formula 1, the body announced on Tuesday March 1. “No international competition will take place in Russia and Belarus, until further notice” and “no flag, symbol or anthem of Russia and Belarus will be used”has also specified the FIA.
The latter explained to act “in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee” after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
FIA Statement – World Motor Sport Council decisions in relation to the situation in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/HwChHhkla6
— FIA (@fia) March 1, 2022
Furthermore, the participation of Russian and Belarusian pilots will take place “under subject to a specific commitment and respect for the principles of peace and political neutrality of the FIA”, is it written in the press release. The FIA has also announced the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix which was to be held on September 25, a decision already announced by Formula 1, promoter of the championship, last week.
However, the future of Nikita Mazepin (Haas) remains uncertain. It is linked in particular to the fate of the partnership between the team and its main sponsor, the Russian group Uralkali, which specializes in potash.
Pilot “paid” appeared last year in F1, Nikita Mazepin (22) is the son of billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, non-executive director of Uralkali, arrived at the same time as title sponsor of the team.
For the last day of pre-season testing in Barcelona on Friday, Haas removed Uralkali’s Russian colors from his single-seater. A decision regarding the long-term partnership between the two parties is due to be made this week.