The day after the IOC’s recommendation, the FIA took a slightly different decision than the member federations of the Olympic committee. The International Automobile Federation has thus decided to exclude the Russian and Belarusian flags from its competitions, but allows the athletes.
That leaves a reprieve in F1, at least in the short term, for Nikita Mazepin. The place of the Russian driver is still threatened by the links between Uralkali, his sponsor, and the regime in place of Vladimir Putin, via his father Dmitry Mazepin.
We are still waiting for the possible separation between Haas F1 and its title sponsor to see if Mazepin’s career will continue. Indeed, it is likely that the contract with Uralkali will end soon.
In his opening address to the meeting, 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 speedy and peaceful resolution to the current situation.”
“We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our hearts go out to all those who are suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine. I would like to stress that the FIA, together with our promoters, has acted proactively on this issue. last week and communicated accordingly on Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup.An updated version of the various FIA international calendars will be presented at the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval. “
The FIA also acts clearly the cancellation of the Russian F1 Grand Prix for force majeure.
Decisions in detail:
Competitions held on the territory of Russia and Belarus
— No international competitions will take place in Russia and Belarus, until further notice
— No flags/symbols or anthems of Russia/Belarus may be used in international/zonal competitions, until further notice
Drivers, competitors and officials
— No Russian/Belarusian national teams to participate in international/zonal competitions (e.g. FIA Motorsport Games), until further notice
— Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials will only participate in international/zonal competitions in a neutral capacity and under “the FIA flag”, subject to a specific commitment and respect for the principles of peace and political neutrality of the FIA, until further notice
— No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (uniform, equipment and car) – should not be displayed or anthems should not be played at international/zonal competitions, until further notice
Elected FIA officials/Commission members
— Representatives of Russian/Belarusian FIA members temporarily withdraw from their roles and responsibilities as elected officers/commission members
AIF grants
— No FIA grants will be awarded to Russian/Belarusian FIA members until further notice
— No existing FIA grants will be paid to Russian/Belarusian FIA members