FIA to allow Russian drivers to compete in 'neutral capacity'

The FIA will allow drivers holding Russian and Belarusian licenses to compete in FIA sanctioned motorsport events under the condition that they do so in a "neutral capacity" and under the governing body's flag.

The FIA announced its decision as well as a series of measures following an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday of its World Motor Sport Council.

Following the Western world's condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the raft of sanctions that have hit the country, pressures increased from sporting federations around the world, including from the International Olympic Committee, to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions.

But the FIA, which canceled last week this year's Russian Grand Prix, is following its own course, and the institution has stopped short of enforcing a widespread ban on competitors as recommended by the IOC.

It will however no longer sanction competitions taking place in Russia and Belarus until further notice, while those countries flags , symbols or anthems will not be allowed at any FIA event.

"Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials to participate in international/zone competitions only in their neutral capacity and under the “FIA flag”, subject to specific commitment and adherence to the FIA’s principles of peace and political neutrality, until further notice," said the FIA in a statement released on Tuesday.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "As you know, the FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

"We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine.

"I would like to stress that the FIA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup. An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval."

• Kvyat pleads for peace - urges federations not to ban Russian athletes

The FIA has also asked Russian and Belarusian members of the governing body's various Commissions to temporarily step down from their roles.

"I want to thank the Council members for their prompt action in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace," added president Sulayem.

"We stand in solidarity with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU) and the wider FIA family in the country.

"The measures taken today recognise the authority of the FAU in Ukraine and are also aligned with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee.

"We are in active discussions with our members as we continue to extend our compassion and support in their time of need. We sincerely hope for a peaceful resolution to their intolerable hardship."

Although Russian drivers will be allowed to compete under the flag of the FIA in international events, it's uncertain if Haas' Nikita Mazepin will retain his seat with the F1 outfit as it may be conditional on funding received by the team from Russian sponsor – and his father's company – Uralkali.

But amid the wave of  sanctions and global restrictions directed at Russian businesses, from which Uralkali is not immune, Haas may have no other choice but to declare a case of 'force majeure' and to permanently severe its ties with Uralkali.

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