The FiA – the governing body of Formula One – has decided is to currently allow Russian competitors to take part in international events despite the country’s invasion of Ukraine, but that any Russian or Belarussian drivers would have to compete in a neutral capacity.
However, Motorsports UK responded by issuing their own directive banning any Russian or Belarussian compeitors or teams in any events held in the UK – including the 2022 British Grand Prix.
While FiA President Mohammed ben Sulayem said the organization “condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine”, their decision permits Russian driver Nikita Mazepin to race in Formula 1 this season with the Haas team, although that likelihood seems slim as Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, is a major financial backer of the team through his chemicals company and is a close associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin.
A Haas spokesman declined comment after the FIA statement but the general consensus in F1 is that Mazepin will not be allowed to race as Haas continues to attempt to distance themselves from their connections to Putin and Russia.
F1 has already cancelled the 2022 Russian Grand Prix due to “the current circumstances.”
Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian FIA members have been told to “step aside temporarily from their roles and responsibilities of elected officers/commissions’ members”.