LRussian or Belarusian drivers will be able to participate under a neutral flag in competitions of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the body announced on Tuesday, a decision which directly concerns Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian driver in Formula 1.
“No international competitions will take place in Russia or Belarus until further notice” and “no flag/symbol or anthem of Russia/Belarus will be used in international competitions until further notice,” added indicated the FIA, which explained to act “in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee” following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials will only participate in international competitions in a neutral capacity and under the “FIA flag”, subject to a specific commitment and respect for the principles of peace and neutrality. FIA policy until further notice,” reads the statement.
The Haas team concerned
The FIA has also announced the “cancellation” of the Russian F1 Grand Prix which was to be held on September 25, a decision already announced by Formula 1, promoter of the championship, last week.
The future of Nikita Mazepin (Haas) in F1 remains uncertain, however, linked in particular to the fate of the partnership between the Haas team and its main sponsor, the Russian group Uralkali, which specializes in potash.
A “paying” driver who arrived in F1 last year, Nikita Mazepin (22) is the son of billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, non-executive director of Uralkali, who arrived at the same time as the team’s title sponsor.
For the last day of pre-season testing in Barcelona last Friday, Haas removed the Russian colors from Uralkali, which his single-seater usually wears. A decision regarding the long-term partnership between the two parties is due to be made this week.
