FIA have unveiled a number of sporting sanctions against Russia and Belarus following their attack on Ukraine, with Nikita Mazepin keeping his F1 seat.
Last Thursday (24 February), Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine which instantly attracted worldwide criticism and disciplinary sanctions from multiple sporting organisations, which has since expanded to include Belarus following their role in events.
Haas meanwhile responded to the situation by removing Uralkali branding from their car from the final day of the first test, whilst their Russian driver- Mazepin was withdrawn from press conferences due to the political situation.
FIA have consequently met to discuss the situation and have decided on several sanctions, which includes a ban on Russia and Belarus from hosting international or zone based competitions until further notice.
FIA officials also clarified that the 2022 Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled and won’t therefore feature on the F1 calendar, despite the race promoters having initially hoped that the decision could be reversed if tensions improved by mid-summer.
Russian and Belarusian flags plus national anthems also won’t be permitted for use in international or zone based competitions indefinitely.
In terms of impact on drivers like Mazepin, Alexander Smolyar and Daniil Kvyat in F1, F3 and World Endurance respectively, they are permitted to compete but strictly as a neutral ‘under the “FIA flag”, whilst also subject to certain rules.
Russian and Belarusian drivers must also adhere to FIA’s various principles of peace and political neutrality until the instruction is lifted in due course
FIA have also agreed that any colours, flags or national symbols of Russia and Belarus are not permitted to be displayed, with national anthems not played at any competition until the political situation improves to a standard that the FIA are happy with.
All representatives of Russian and Belarusian FIA Members have also been ordered ‘to step aside temporarily from their roles and responsibilities’ once approved by World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT).
Banning of FIA grants plus payments of existing FIA grant funding to members from Russia and Belarus will also be put in place, provided that the FIA’s decisions are swiftly approved by the WCAMT.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem also added his thanks to members of the FIA Council for taking “prompt action” in deciding upon their agreed sanctions based “in the interests of sport and peace.”
Ben Sulayem also added that the FIA “stand in solidarity” with Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU) President Leonid Kostyuchenko and wider members of the FIA family currently within Ukraine.
Reflecting on what the above measures will mean for the FAU, Ben Sulayem continued: “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.”
FIA officials and Ben Sulayem will continue to remain “in active discussions” with members within Ukraine in an extension of compassion and support, whilst wishing “for a peaceful resolution to their intolerable hardship.”
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