FIA announces new rules for Russian drivers to compete in 2022
Earlier this week, the FIA announced in response to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) call for athletes from Russia and Belarus to be prevented from taking part in international events, that drivers from the aforementioned countries will be forced to race under a neutral flag.
The decision comes after Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to a war between the two countries.
This has led to further widespread fallout in the motorsport world with Haas removing title sponsor Uralkali from its car for the final day of testing in Barcelona, while Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s future is under serious doubt.
On Thursday, F1 announced it has terminated its deal with the Russian Grand Prix, meaning it will not feature on the calendar for the foreseeable future.
The FIA has explained what drivers from Russia and Belarus are allowed but also not allowed to do in a ‘driver commitment’ document.
The key points include:
- Accept you represent yourself as an individual in a neutral capacity, not the country.
- Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags are banned in public or on social media.
- Flags, emblems, symbols and words related to the countries are banned from display on uniforms, clothing, accessories and other personal items.
- The singing or playing of either country’s national anthem.
- Expressing views or actions about Russia's invasion of Ukraine
All drivers will be required to sign this document to be able to compete in FIA events this year.
However, Britain’s motorsport body, Motorsport UK, confirmed that Russian and Belarusian drivers wouldn’t be allowed to compete in events in the country meaning Mazepin would be ruled out of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
