MAZEPIN FREE TO RACE AS FIA ANNOUNCES RUSSIA SANCTIONS

Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin has escaped a ban from racing despite the implementation of fresh sanctions on the nation by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

The council met overnight to discuss the Ukraine crisis after calls from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in international events.

While the council did not hand down a blanket ban on athletes, it has determined that individuals must compete in a country neutral capacity under the ‘FIA flag’.

As such, Mazepin is free to race with Haas but must do so under those conditions, while also requiring a revised livery for his F1 machine.

The branding of Russian company Uralkali, founded by Mazepin’s father Dmitry, which previously adorned his car has already been removed and any references to the country must be dropped.

Without the financial backing of his title sponsor, Mazepin’s seat is in question regardless.

It remains to be seen if travel bans imposed on Russians will impact Mazepin’s ability to travel to F1 events if he retains his seat.

Aside from the verdict on competitors, the council ruled that Russian teams and national symbols are suspended from motorsport and no events shall be held in the country.

Russian and Belarusian FIA members have been instructed to step aside from their roles temporarily and the nations will no longer receive FIA funding.

A decision was already made last week to cancel the 2022 Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

“As you know, the FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.

“We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine.

“I would like to stress that the FIA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup.

“An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval.”

“We stand in solidarity with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU) and the wider FIA family in the country.

“The measures taken today recognise the authority of the FAU in Ukraine and are also aligned with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee.”

The full list of decisions made by the WMSC can be found below:

Competitions organized on the territory of Russia and Belarus

1. No international/zone competition to take place in Russia and Belarus, until further notice
2. No flag/symbol or anthem of Russia/Belarus to be used in international/zone competitions, until further notice

Drivers, competitors and officials

1. No Russian/Belarusian national teams to participate in international/zone competitions (e.g. FIA Motorsport Games), until further notice
2. Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials to participate in international/zone competitions only in their neutral capacity and under the “FIA flag”, subject to specific commitment and adherence to the FIA’s principles of peace and political neutrality, until further notice
3. No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (uniform, equipment and car)- should be displayed or anthems should be played at international/zone competitions, until further notice

FIA Elected officers/Commissions’ members 

1. Representatives from Russian/Belarusian FIA Members to step aside temporarily from their roles and responsibilities of elected officers/commissions’ members

FIA grants 

1. No FIA grant to be awarded to the Russian/Belarusian FIA Members, until further notice
2. No existing FIA grant funding will be paid to the Russian/Belarusian FIA Members

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