In the face of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine calls on the FIA to ban drivers with Russian licences – In Formula 1, this would directly affect Nikita Masepin
Ukraine’s motorsport federation has called on the FIA to impose a ban on Russian licence holders, including Formula One driver Nikita Masepin, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week.
The demand was preceded by a letter from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who wrote to the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU) to offer his “full support and the support of the FIA”.
In a reply letter from FAU President Leonid Kostyuchenko, the federation said it would “prepare possible measures for post-war support from the FIA if all state funds are used for reconstruction”. He also called for a series of measures by the FIA against Russia and its ally Belarus.
What next for Nikita Masepin?
This includes a ban on racing drivers with licences issued by the federations of Russia and Belarus from competing outside their home country. In Formula 1, this would have a direct impact on Masepin, who competes with a licence from the Russian Automobile Federation.
His future is currently in doubt after the Haas team removed the branding of its Russian title sponsor Uralkali from the car during testing last week. Talks are expected to be held in the coming days.
Masepin wrote on Twitter last week that he “doesn’t control a lot of what is said and done” but that he is “focusing on what I can control by working hard and doing my best for Haas. “
Exclude Russia and allies
The FAU also called for Russia and Belarus to be banned from hosting FIA sanctioned events, the use of their state symbols and flags to be banned and all Russian and Belarusian members to be expelled from the FIA.
Already on Friday, in response to Russia’s invasion, Formula 1 held that “under current circumstances” no race could be held in Sochi. Sebastian Vettel had previously announced he would boycott the race if F1 decided to visit Russia.
Meanwhile, this year’s round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship WTCR, scheduled to take place in Sochi, was cancelled by the race series organiser on Saturday due to the “immensely sad and disturbing events in Ukraine. “
Scrutiny in football too
A number of other major sporting events have also been withdrawn from Russia, including the Champions League final. In addition, UEFA has decided not to allow Russian teams to participate in matches until further notice.
On the part of FIFA, all that was said on Sunday was that the Russian national football team would not be allowed to play international matches on home soil and would have to compete as the “Football Federation of Russia”. In addition, the Russian flag or anthem may not be used before the matches.
