F1
FIA decides not to exclude Russian and Belarusian drivers
We won't see the Russian flag again on the circuits anytime soon, but Russian drivers will still be able to race. © Antonin Vincent / DPPI
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) met in an extraordinary World Council on Tuesday March 1 to determine whether it should follow the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concerning the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams within its competitions.
The answer is negative. The only compensation will be not to wear a Russian or Belarusian flag in sporting events (suit, helmet, windows, doors, etc.). Nikita mazepin therefore has every right to ride for Haas en Formula 1, or Daniil Kvyat with G-Drive in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
For drivers, nothing changes except the ban on wearing the words “Russian Automobile Federation (RAF)”, used by drivers instead of “Russia” since 2021 due to the exclusion of Russia from any meeting. you world sportsman.
ALSO READ > Kvyat calls not to exclude Russian pilots from competitions
Haas simply sent the following sentence to the media (including AUTOweekly) wanting to know more about the future of Nikita Mazepin within the American team: “At this time, we refuse any comment. »
Furthermore, the FIA confirms that no international and zonal competitions will be organized in Russia and Belarus until further notice. Here again, nothing changes, the Russian Grand Prix scheduled for Sochi will not take place… until further notice. The event was scheduled for September 23 to 25.
Furthermore, the FIA has taken economic measures against the Russian and Belarusian automobile federations. These will no longer be able to benefit from subsidies from the FIA. Representatives of the Russian/Belarusian members of the FIA must also temporarily step back from their roles and responsibilities.
“As you know, the FIA is following the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a rapid and peaceful resolution of the current situation,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our hearts go out to all those suffering because of the events in Ukraine. I would like to emphasize that the FIA, together with our promoters, acted proactively on this issue last week and communicated accordingly on Formula 1, the Formula 2, the WTCR and the International Drifting Cup. An updated version of the various FIA international calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval. »
FIA decisions in detail:
- No international and zone competitions will be organized in Russia and Belarus until further notice
- No flags/symbols or anthems of Russia/Belarus will be used at international/zonal competitions until further notice
- No Russian/Belarusian national teams will participate in international/zonal competitions, e.g. FIA Motorsport Games, until further notice
- Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials may only participate in international/zonal competitions in a neutral capacity and under the FIA flag, subject to specific commitment and compliance with the principles of peace and political neutrality of the FIA until further notice
- Representatives of Russian/Belarusian FIA members must temporarily step aside from their roles and responsibilities
- No FIA grants will be provided to FIA members from Russia/Belarus until further notice
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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Jacques Morin
03/03/2022 at 11:18 a.m.
THE FIA is playing a murky FIFA-type game, trying not to upset its Russian friends... The British federation has more character. Let us hope that the FFSA has the same political and humanitarian point of view as on the other side of the Channel. We will see what the weight of the ACO is, of which we know the proximity - indirect - with certain supporters of Vladimir. Afterwards, regarding G-Drive, it "is enough" to make TDS the official competitor in case the FFSA bans Russian competitors... But banning the flags and the anthem while keeping the competitors... I know well that it t's the Year of Molière, but that's no reason to honor the Tartuffe.
PAUL VAN GROOTEL
02/03/2022 at 10:05 a.m.
FIA decision not to exclude Russian and Belarusian drivers: lamentable decision, proof of an incomprehensible desire of the FIA to defend its petty interests, despite the pain imposed on the people of Ukraine. I know the pilots can't do anything about it... but, ultimately, who can do anything about it, other than the dictator in place? It was not a question of punishing the pilots but of showing those concerned (follow my gaze...) that the aggression violated our most fundamental values. Lamentable. Lamentable.