The FIA will simply let Nikita Mazepin race for the Haas team this year, the motorsport federation said. This is the outcome after consultation with the World Motor Sport Council. The Russian will have to race under an FIA flag.
The FIA has decided that no Russian and Belarusian teams are allowed to participate in international competitions. Drivers from those countries are allowed to participate, but only under the flag of the FIA. In addition, no national symbols, flags or other references to the countries may be made.
Consequences Mazepin
For Mazepin, the decision has lifted a weight off his shoulders. The Russian was for days in uncertainty about his place with Haas, that has now been cleared up. Main sponsor Uralkali’s livery had already been removed from the car and will remain so throughout the season. The absence of the sponsor may have consequences for Mazepin. The driver’s father owns the company and should he pull the plug on the Formula 1 project, it is likely that Mazepin himself will no longer be driving for the team.
No response to IOC
Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee called for all Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from international sporting events. The FIA has taken a different path with the choice. The motorsport federation condemns the invasion of Ukraine, but does not punish the drivers from Russia with it.
