Motorsports UK “condemns the acts of war”, bans Russian & Belorussian drivers, teams from events in the UK

Motorsports UK “condemns the acts of war”, bans Russian & Belorussian drivers, teams from events in the UK

F1 team Haas and Vladmir Putin

Following the military escalation by the Russian army in Ukraine, International Olympic Committee banned Russian athletes from taking part in international events. The ban also extends to Belorussian athletes and teams as the country has supported Putin’s regime in their armed conflict.

The FIA has taken a decision to initiate a ban on all motorsport events in Russia and Belarus. The ban also bans nationals and teams from the two countries from participating in international events. However Russian/Belarusian drivers and teams can participate in their neutral capacity and under the “FIA flag”, subject to FIA’s approval.

Motorsports UK which is UK’s motorsports and racing authority have taken swift actions to ban Russian or Belarusian licenced teams, competitors or officials to participate in sanctioned events in the UK. The move has been made with support from the British government.

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The decision means Haas driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to participate in the Russian Grand Prix even if he is not dropped by his team. It will also affect Russian Drivers like Leo Machitski who competes in British GT and is the reigning champion.

Also Read: Nikita Mazepin and Russian drivers learn their fate as FIA announces…

Motorsports UK: “We stand united with the people of Ukraine”

Haas' Russian driver Nikita Mazepin
Haas’ Russian driver Nikita Mazepin

Following the IOC’s ruling, the Ukrainian Motorsport Federation made a plea to FIA to ban all drivers and personnel from Russia and Belarus from international competition. David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK formally acknowledged the request and enacted the ban.

He said “The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict. We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded.”

He added “It is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU). It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt. We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war.”

The decision regarding Mazepin’s future with Haas remains unclear. The reports suggest that the American F1 team will be replacing the driver and the news would be announced shortly. Haas have removed ‘Uralkali’ from their title sponsor and removed the Russian tricolour inspired livery from their cars. The Russian Fertilizer company is owned by Mazepin’s father Dmitry Mazepin.

Also Read: Haas decline to comment following official FIA WMSC verdict on fate…