The FIA have confirmed that Russian drivers, including Nikita Mazepin, will be allowed to compete in their championships in a neutral capacity and under the 'FIA flag', subject to specific conditions. It comes following an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), called by new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and held on Tuesday afternoon to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Russian forces, led by Vladimir Putin and supported by leaders in nearby Belarus, last week invaded neighbouring Ukraine in an act of war that has sparked a reaction from some of sport's top governing bodies. UEFA have moved this season's Champions League final away from St. Petersburg, before joining FIFA in banning all Russian and Belarusian teams from their competitions. The two nations have also been banned from international UEFA and FIFA competitions, meaning Russia will not be present at this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the latest development, the FIA's WMSC gathered to vote on several topics relating to Russian and Belarusian involvement in motorsport. They confirmed that "Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials" can "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". No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags can be displayed, or anthems played, and the 2022 Russian Grand Prix has been officially cancelled. Haas have declined to comment on the FIA's statement, with Mazepin's future in the sport remaining uncertain.
The FIA's full statement over Russia/Belarus restrictions
A statement issued by the FIA declared that the governing body's actions are "in accordance with" guidance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On Monday, the IOC recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be banned from competitions. It added that "wherever this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons, the IOC EB (Executive Board) strongly urges International Sports Federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to do everything in their power to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus". The FIA will implement the following decisions with immediate effect: Competitions organised on the territory of Russia and Belarus - No international/zone competitions to take place in Russia and Belarus, until further notice - No flag/symbol or anthem of Russia/Belarus to be used in international/zone competitions, until further notice Drivers, competitors and officials - No Russian/Belarusian national teams to participate in international/zone competitions (e.g. FIA Motorsport Games), until further notice - 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 - 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 - Representatives from Russian/Belarusian FIA Members to step aside temporarily from their roles and responsibilities of elected officers/commissions' members * FIA grants - No FIA grant to be awarded to the Russian/Belarusian FIA Members, until further notice * - No existing FIA grant funding will be paid to the Russian/Belarusian FIA Members * * Subject to the approval of the World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism FIA International Sporting Calendar - Upon proposal of the F1 Commercial Rights Holder, cancellation of the 2022 Russian F1 Grand Prix for reason of Force Majeure.
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