The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has opened an investigation after the apparent Nazi salute of a young Russian driver, participating under the Italian flag, during a race in the European Karting Championship in Portugal, announced the proceeding on Monday.
“The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile confirms that it has opened an immediate investigation into the unacceptable conduct of Mr. Artem Severiukhin which occurred during the podium ceremony for the OK category during the first round of the 2022 European Karting Championship of the FIA”, in Algarve, in the south of Portugal, wrote the FIA in a press release.
“The FIA will communicate soon on the follow-up to this case,” she continued.
On Sunday, on the first place of the podium, Artem Severiukhin punched his fist twice to his heart before extending his right arm in a gesture suspected of being a Nazi salute, in the direction of the public, before becoming hilarious, can we see on a video of the championship.
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the FIA does not allow Russian drivers to compete under their banner. Driving under the Italian flag, it was therefore the Italian anthem that was played during this podium.
Despite its apologies in a video posted on Instagram, and its denial of any Nazi salute, the Ward Racing team decided to terminate its contract: “Ward Racing sees no possibility of continuing cooperation with Artem Severiukhin and will proceed with the termination of his racing contract,” she said in a statement.