The FIA have set out a 'driver commitment' for Russian and Belarusian drivers following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) was called by new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Tuesday afternoon to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis. Following this, a statement was released from the FIA confirming 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. Further actions were also set out, including that no international/zone competitions will take place in Russia and Belarus until further notice, and no Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags can be displayed, or anthems played.
Terms and conditions for drivers from Russia and Belarus
Now the FIA have released the terms and conditions of the 'driver commitment' that those from Russia or Belarus must agree to if they are to continue to compete. The introduction of the document reads: "Considering the decisions of the World Motor Sport Council of 1 March 2022 and the need for emergency measures due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the support provided by Belarus, until further notice all drivers, individual competitors , and officials from Russia or Belarus may participate in international/zone competitions (Covered Events) only on the terms and conditions set out below." There are 10 points that drivers must adhere to, with some of the key statements as follows: I acknowledge that I may only participate in Covered Events in an individual and neutral capacity, and not in any way as a representative of Russia or Belarus. I will not display any Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, or flags publicly or via social media. I will not display on my uniforms, clothing, accessories, or other personal items, or on my equipment or cars at any time in connection with my participation in Covered Events or otherwise in my capacity as a participant in Covered Events the Russian or Belarusian flag (current or historical), any illustration of or reference to the Russian or Belarusian flag, any national emblem or other national symbol of Russia/Belarus (e.g. coat of arms of Russia /double-headed eagle of Russia), the words "Russian", "Russia", "Belarus", "Belarusian", "Russian Automobile Federation", "Federation de l'Automobile de Belarus" or the acronyms "RUS" or "RAF" or "BAF", "FBA", "BLR" in any language or format or the emblem of the Russian Automobile Federation ("RAF") or "Federation de l'Automobile de Belarus" ("FBA"/"BAF"). I acknowledge that no Russian/Belarusian national anthems will be played at Covered Events. I will not make any statements or comments, take any actions, or conduct myself in a manner that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA, any Competition, and/or motorsport generally. In particular, I will not express any support (direct or indirect) for the Russian and/or Belarusian activities in respect of Ukraine. It is stated that there may be sanctions or penalties taken if any of the rules set out are broken, and there is also an acknowledgement that the FIA "may implement further measures or issue further decisions" in relation to the participation of Russian and Belarusian competitors in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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