The FIA has determined to not ban Russian drivers from motorsport within the wake of the nation’s army invasion of Ukraine, permitting Nikita Mazepin to stay in Method 1 with Haas.
Motorsports’ governing physique selected Tuesday that the ban would solely lengthen to drivers competing underneath the flag of Russia or Belarus, however that drivers from each international locations could be allowed to proceed racing underneath the impartial “FIA flag”.
The choice was made at an emergency assembly of the World Motorsport Council (WMSC), which was organized after the Worldwide Olympic Committee issued an announcement recommending that the game’s governing our bodies shouldn’t enable Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in worldwide sporting occasions.
Nevertheless, the IOC assertion acknowledged that if this isn’t doable for “regulatory or authorized causes”, solely athletes from these international locations must be allowed to compete as neutrals and never underneath their nation’s flag.
FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem stated the WMSC’s determination was “in step with suggestions made lately by the Worldwide Olympic Committee”.
Haas was ready for the FIA ruling earlier than deciding on Mazepin, whose place within the workforce was secured via his take care of his father Dimitri’s firm, Uralkali. Haas declined to touch upon Mazepin’s future with the workforce when requested Tuesday after the FIA’s determination was introduced.
The WMSC additionally confirmed that FIA worldwide competitions is not going to be held in Russia and Belarus till additional discover, though F1 had already introduced final week that this yr’s Russian Grand Prix could be cancelled.
In his opening speech on the WMSC assembly, Ben Sulayem stated: “As you recognize, FIFA is watching developments in Ukraine with disappointment and shock and I hope for a fast and peaceable resolution to the present state of affairs. We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now we have thought with all those that are struggling on account of the occasions in Ukraine.”
“I want to verify that the FIA, together with our promoters, acted proactively on this matter final week and communication has been made accordingly in Method 1, Method 2, WTCR and the Worldwide Drift Cup.
An up to date model of the varied FIA calendars will likely be submitted to the WMSC assembly in Bahrain for approval.
The WMSC determination added that no Russian or Belarusian nationwide groups could be allowed to take part in worldwide competitions, and that “Russian/Belarusian symbols, colours and flags (uniform, tools and car) shouldn’t be displayed”.
Haas, which launched its automobile in early February with a livery in Uralkali (which mimics the colours of the Russian flag), selected the ultimate day of pre-season testing final week in Barcelona to change to a plain white with out the Uralkali branding. . ESPN understands Haas has one other barely modified coating for its second take a look at subsequent week in Bahrain.
