Motorsport UK has issued a ban on Russian and Belarusian drivers and teams from competing in the UK until further notice.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week and Belarus’ subsequent involvement, FIA issued various sporting sanctions but permitted drivers from both countries to continue competing in international competitions under “FIA flag” provision.
Motorsport UK officials have consequently responded to the current situation with their own actions agreed in consultation with UK Government and other sporting governing bodies, whilst they also took International Olympic Committee recommendations and FIA decisions on board.
Their main action involves the banning of Russian and Belarusian drivers plus teams from competing in motorsport competitions held within the UK, whilst national flags, colours and symbols will be prohibited at events permitted by Motorsport UK.
This decision consequently means that Russia’s Nikita Mazepin and Alexander Smolyar who drive for Haas and MP Motorsport in F1 and F3 respectively, will miss the British Grand Prix at Silverstone from 1-3 July
Motorsport UK Chair, David Richards CBE iterated in a statement that the whole community across Motorsport UK “condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict.”
Richards also added that British motorsport “stands united with the people of Ukraine” whilst calling for the “international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU.”
On the announced decisions, Richards insists that Motorsport UK has a “duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt.
“We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war.”
Richards concluded by again iterating the support of Motorsport UK in a call for a peaceful conclusion as he said: “Motorsport UK stands united with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the FAU, the Ukrainian motorsport community and the Ukrainian people and calls for the violence to end with a peaceful resolution.”