Overview: the FIA's actions on situation of Russia-Ukraine

F1 News

1 March 2022 at 21:01
Last update 1 March 2022 at 23:06
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  • GPblog.com

The FIA and the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) came out with a joint statement on the situation in Ukraine on Tuesday night. Due to the Russian invasion of that country, there will be hefty restrictions in international motorsport on anything related to Russia and Belarus in the coming period. An overview of the measures:

No races in Russia and Belarus for the time being

The FIA and the WMSC have decided that all planned international races in Russia and Belarus are cancelled for the time being. This means that besides the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Russia, also the WTCR will not travel to Sochi. Flags, symbols and national anthems are also banned from international competitions for the time being.

Drivers allowed to race, national teams not welcome

Individual Russian and Belarusian drivers are still welcome in international motor racing in the coming period. However, they must race under a neutral FIA flag. In doing so, the FIA is going against the call of the International Olympic Committee. The IOC wants athletes from the two countries not to be allowed to participate in international sports competitions in the near future.

While the drivers still have a chance to race under neutral flags, the national teams do not. Thus, no Russian or Belarusian team will compete in the FIA Motorsport Games, for example. Finally, members of the FIA with Russian or Belarusian nationality must resign their duties for the time being.

Ben Sulayem reacts shocked

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem reacts with shock to the events in Ukraine. "The FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," Ben Sulayem said in the statement.