Formula 1

FIA To Allow Russian and Belarusian Drivers Compete Under Neutral Flag

The FIA has made the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian drivers compete in events, on the condition that they use the FIA flag, rather than their countrIes’s flags. This is coming after rumours that the FIA was considering suspending Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, a Russian, over the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Various sports have taken actions against Russia, including Formula 1, who cancelled this year’s Russian Grand Prix. It was thought that they would take it a step further by banning Russian drivers, but the FIA has said that they would be allowed but would drive as neutrals. The International Olympic Committee had called for the ban of all Russian and Belarusian athletes, but FIA decided to allow them race as neutral.

The FIA made this known in a statement they released on Tuesday: “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.”

Last week, Haas cut ties with Uralkali, a Russian company, removing its branding from their cars. The founder of Uralkali is Dmitry Mazepin, father of Nikita, and a close friend of President Vladimir Putin. This has put the driver in a particularly tight position over the past few days. Taking to his social media page, he said, “ To my fans and followers – it’s a difficult time, and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done. I’m choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my HAAS. My deepest thanks for your understanding and support.”

The Formula 1 season would still hold as planned, with the seasoning-opening race, the Bahrain Grand Prix, expected to hold on March 20.

 

Written by: Leon Osamor

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Luka Doncic Joins Lakers in Blockbuster Trade, Anthony Davis Moves to Mavericks

The Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off a stunning trade, acquiring five-time NBA All-Star Luka… Read More

February 3, 2025

Marcus Rashford Joins Aston Villa on Loan From Manchester United

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has completed a loan move to Aston Villa, both clubs… Read More

February 3, 2025

Inter Milan snatch late draw against AC Milan in thrilling derby

The 182nd Serie A Derby della Madonnina lived up to its billing, with Inter Milan… Read More

February 3, 2025

Arsenal thrash Manchester City 5-1 to keep title hopes alive

Arsenal have closed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points after a… Read More

February 3, 2025

Imavov defeats Adesanya by TKO

Nassourdine Imavov earned a resounding win against former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, knocking him out… Read More

February 3, 2025

Barcelona pips Alavés thanks to Lewandowski’s goal

Barcelona secured their second consecutive La Liga win, defeating Deportivo Alavés 1-0 at Camp Nou.… Read More

February 3, 2025