FIA calls extraordinary meeting to discuss Ukraine crisis

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The FIA is set to hold an extraordinary meeting of its World Motor Sport Council on Tuesday to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and its repercussions on international motorsport.

Despite severe economic and financial sanctions levied by the US and the European Union upon Russia following its invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the war continues to rage between the two countries with the former showing no intention of de-escalating the crisis.

Formula 1 has canceled next September's Russian Grand Prix while multiple sporting federations are calling for a boycott of Russia.

On Monday, the International Olympic Committee recommended that all governing bodies should ban athletes from Russia and Belarus from all international competitions.

Read also: Ukraine urges FIA to ban Russian drivers from international motorsport

Last week, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wrote to the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FUA) to offer his support, which prompted FAU president Leonid Kostyuchenko to call for a ban on Russian and Belarusian drivers from all FIA-sanctioned events.

On Monday evening, the FIA issued a short statement stating that it had summoned the members of the WMSC to an extraordinary meeting that will take place today.

"An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council will be convened tomorrow to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine," said the FIA.

"Further updates will be given following the meeting."

Measures decided by the WMSC are likely to impact one way or the other the fate of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin.

Last week, on the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona, Haas stripped its car of its Russian colors and Uralkali branding, a move that signaled a likely 'force majeure' split between the two parties.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.