The FIA has decided not to ban Russian drivers from racing in the wake of the country’s military invasion of Ukraine, allowing Haas’ Nikita Mazepin to continue racing in Formula One.
Racing’s governing body on Tuesday decided that the ban would only extend to drivers competing under the flags of Russia or Belarus, but drivers from both countries will be allowed to continue racing under the flag. neutral “FIA flag”.
The meeting was held after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a statement recommending that governing bodies in the sports field not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to participate in sporting events. international sport. However, the IOC statement acknowledged that if that was not possible for “organizational or legal reasons”, athletes would not be allowed to compete on behalf of Russia or Belarus.
FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said the removal of the WMSC was “in line with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee”.
Haas waited for the FIA’s verdict before making a decision on Mazepin, whose position was secured through a deal with his father Dmitry’s Uralkali fertilizer company.
Haas declined to comment on the Mazepin situation when asked on Tuesday after the FIA’s decision was made public.
More to follow…
