Russian drivers to compete under neutral flag in motorsport events
The FIA World Motor Sport Council will allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to compete in motorsport events under a neutral flag.
Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin at the pre-season shakedown in Barcelona. (Haas F1 Team)
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem chaired an extraordinary meeting of the council following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to host motorsport competitions, while teams from each nation will not be allow to participate in events such as the FIA Motorsport Games.
Individual drivers will be allowed to compete in world motorsport events under a neutral flag, with no use of the flag, anthem, or any symbol of Russia or Belarus.
"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," said the FIA President.
"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 Intercontinental Drifting Cup."
"An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval."
The meeting follows the decision from Formula 1 to suspend the Russian Grand Prix, as drivers such as Sebastian Vettel refused to participate.
The council approved the decision to suspend the event.
“I want to thank the Council members for their prompt action in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace,” said Ben 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.”
Haas F1 team, sponsored by Russian energy company Uralkali, completed the F1 shakedown in Barcelona with a plain livery, but is yet to confirm the future of the sponsorship or of Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.
