Nikita Mazepin probably banned from competing in British Grand Prix

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Russian drivers, such as Haas F1’s Nikita Mazepin, are banned from competing in the British Grand Prix, Motorsport UK announced on Wednesday.

The governing body prohibits Russian and Belarusian license holders from competing in the UK, contrary to the FIA’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to compete under a neutral flag. Even if Mazepin stays with Haas F1, it’s likely he won’t be able to race in July’s British Grand Prix unless the situation changes.

If the ban is upheld, Mazepin will need to obtain a license from another country to compete, according to ESPN.

“The entire Motorsport UK community condemns Russia’s and Belarus’ acts of war in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support for all those affected by the ongoing conflict,” said David Richards CBE, Chairman from Motorsport UK, said in a press release. “We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the motorsport community after the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have taken place.

“Now is the time for the international motorsport community to take action and show its support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues in the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU).”

The FAU demanded on Monday that Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, ban all Russian and Belarusian drivers amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last Thursday, the Russian military invaded Ukraine, attacking towns and bases after President Vladimir Putin announced he was launching a military operation. Putin said over the weekend that Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces should be put on high alert. The conflict continued to escalate.

The proposed FAU ban would have banned Mazepin from competing this season, but his future is already in question at the team.

Haas will determine in the coming days what to do with title sponsor Uralkali, which is owned by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry. As previously reported by ESPNDmitry was one of the business leaders who met with President Vladimir Putin on Thursday over sanctions against Russia.

The team retired the Uralkali livery for the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona along with associated signage on its campervan.

Among other measures announced by the FIA ​​on Tuesday, Russian and Belarusian teams will not be allowed to compete, and “no Russian/Belarusian symbol, colour, national flag (uniform, equipment and car) shall be displayed or anthems shall be displayed. be played at international/zonal competitions, until further notice.

In addition, the FIA ​​announced that the reason for the official cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix in September was due to “force majeure”, and that Russian and Belarusian FIA members will have to temporarily resign from their positions.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the World Motor Sport Council’s decision was “aligned with recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee”. However, the IOC on Monday recommended that all sports ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions.

Meanwhile, Motorsport UK said: ‘No Russian/Belarusian licensed teams are permitted to compete in motorsport competitions in the UK, no Russian/Belarusian licensed competitors and officials are permitted to compete in events motorsport in the UK, and no symbol, color, Russian / Belarusian national flag. (on uniform, equipment and car) for display at Motorsport UK authorized events.

“It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we may have to put an end to this totally unwarranted invasion of Ukraine,” Richards said. “We encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do all we can to end this war.”

“Motorsport UK stands united with FAU President Leonid Kostyuchenko, the Ukrainian motorsport community and the people of Ukraine and calls for an end to violence through a peaceful resolution.”

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