War in Ukraine: Russian drivers banned from races in Great Britain
It's another blow for Nikita Mazepin. After the FIA's decision requiring all Russian drivers to race under a neutral flag, the United Kingdom has taken an even more drastic measure.
A week after the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, it is now the turn of the British Automobile Federation to take drastic measures towards Russia. Or rather, towards Russian organizations and drivers.
Motorsport UK has announced a formal ban on drivers, teams, and official representatives from participating in any competition on British soil. As a result, Haas driver Nikita Mazepin finds himself unable to take part in the Silverstone Grand Prix. Mazepin’s future in F1 is becoming increasingly uncertain…
The President of the British Federation, David Richards, explained this decision: All of the Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus against Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support for all those affected by the ongoing conflict. We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and unacceptable acts that have taken place. For the international motorsport community, it is time to take action and show our support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Automobile Federation of Ukraine.
« It is our duty to use every influence and means of pressure that we can have in order to put an end to this completely unjustified invasion of Ukraine. We want to encourage the motorsports community and our colleagues from around the world to wholeheartedly adopt the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do everything in our power to put an end to this war. » explained David Richards.
In the event that Russian or Belarusian drivers still wish to race, they would need to obtain a license from another nationality.
