The National motorsport authority has banned Russian drivers from competing in the UK under Formula One. As Motorsport UK has refused to recognise the licences of the Russian competitors, they have been banned from competing in the United Kingdom until further notice.
The only Russian driver on the grid for the Haas F1 team, Nikita Mazepin joined the team in 2021, partnering with Mick Schumacher and is the only one to face the sanction. Mazepin’s father, Dmitry Mazepin provides financial backing to the team and is close to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
The decision is following the sanctions announced by FIA, the international governing body to ban teams from competing in the country and has been taken in consultation with the UK government. Motorsport UK Chairman, David Richards, said, “We must use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt”. He also added that the UK body stands united with the Ukrainian motorsport community and the Ukrainian people and has called for the violence to end with a peaceful resolution.
With regards to the sanction against Russian drivers, Motorsport UK had also issued a statement which said:
- No Russian/Belarusian-licensed teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK
- No Russian/Belarusian-licensed competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events
- No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK-permitted events, reports BBS Sports.
As the International Olympic Committee had recommended the ban of all Russian athletes across all sports internationally, the sports community and its colleagues have come forward it fully embrace the decision in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
