A race of the European Kart Championship took place in Portugal at the weekend. Also present was the 15-year-old Russian Artyom Severyukhin. Since he did not start as a Russian athlete but under the Italian flag, he was allowed to take part in the competition. Not only that: the 15-year-old won his age group.
At the award ceremony, however, there was a scandal. As the Italian anthem was played, Severyukhin hit his chest with his fist, then raised his right hand in the air, presumably doing the Nazi salute. Afterwards he started laughing. There is a commotion on social media. Many users wish the 15-year-old to be excluded from sport.
It is currently unclear whether the 15-year-old faces a penalty from the international motor racing association. The world association Fia launched an investigation into the “unacceptable behavior” of the minor on Monday. However: His team has already drawn consequences. “Ward Racing is deeply ashamed of the pilot’s behavior,” the team said in a statement. The contract with the driver will be terminated, the racing team continued in the announcement.
