Nikita Mazepin, Russian Haas pilot. /
2022 season
The British motor racing federation prohibits Russian and Belarusian drivers from competing on its territory
Driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to compete in the Formula 1 British Grand Prix after Motorsport UK on Wednesday banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from taking part while the invasion of Ukraine continues.
The move by the British motor racing federation comes a day after the sport’s governing body, the FIA, said Russian and Belarusian drivers could compete under an “FIA flag”.
By focusing on the nationality of licences, Motorsport UK’s decision will prevent Russian and Belarusian drivers from competing in Britain, regardless of the flag under which they race. “We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded,” Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, who attended Tuesday’s WMSC meeting, said in a statement. “This is a moment for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues from the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU),” he added. Motorsport UK noted that its decision was made in consultation with the British Government and national sporting governing bodies.
Uncertain future
Mazepin, the only Russian on the Formula 1 grid, already faces an uncertain future after his US-owned Haas team removed all brands related to its title sponsor Uralkali on the final day of testing in Barcelona. In the past week. Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian’s presence in the team will be decided this week.
Motorsport UK also announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian licensed teams from racing in the UK. Banned the display of Russian or Belarusian national symbols, colors or flags, including on uniforms, equipment and team cars, at Motorsport UK sanctioned events.
The organization’s move raises the possibility that other national motorsport federations will apply similar restrictions to their Formula 1 races. The British Grand Prix is scheduled for July 3 at Silverstone.
