Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin will be barred from racing at the British Grand Prix on his Russian license after Motorsport UK banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from racing on Wednesday amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The British Motor Racing Federation’s decision comes a day after the sport’s governing body, the FIA, said Russian and Belarusian drivers could compete in a ‘neutral’ capacity under an ‘FIA flag’ after an extraordinary meeting. of his World. Motor Sports Council (WMSC).
“We remain united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community after the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have taken place,” Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, who attended Tuesday’s WMSC meeting, said in a statement. of press.
“Now is the time for the international motorsport community to take action and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues from the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU). »
Motorsport UK said its decision was made in full consultation with the UK government and the national sport’s governing bodies.
Mazepin, the only Russian on the Formula 1 grid, is already facing an uncertain future after his American team, Haas, removed any brands linked to Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali on the final day of testing at Barcelona last week.
Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian’s continued presence in the team is expected to be decided this week.
Motorsport UK has also announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian teams competing in the UK.
Banned the display of Russian or Belarusian national symbols, colors or flags, including on team uniforms, equipment and cars, at Motorsport UK sanctioned events.
The organization’s decision raises the possibility that other national motorsport federations will apply similar restrictions for their national Formula 1 races.
The British Grand Prix is scheduled for July 3 at Silverstone.
Belarus was a key staging area for the Russian invasion.
Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation.”
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