Barcelona (AP) – Mick Schumacher’s Russian Formula 1 stable rival Nikita Masepin can continue to drive in the premier class of motorsport. However, the 22-year-old from Moscow is only allowed to start as a neutral athlete “until further notice”.
Among other things, this decision was announced by the World Motor Sport Council after an extraordinary session against the background of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Accordingly, Russian and Belarusian drivers and officials may only take part in international competitions as neutral participants and under the “FIA flag”. They must “expressly commit themselves to complying with the Fia principles of peace and political neutrality”.
In addition, no Russian and Belarusian national symbols or flags should be shown and corresponding anthems should not be played at international competitions.
The International Olympic Committee had previously demanded that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials should no longer take part in international competitions.
Haas team boss Günther Steiner left open the future of Nikita Masepin as a driver and the Russian mining company Uralkali as a sponsor last week.
The World Motor Sports Council also banned all competitions on Russian and Belarusian soil. The panel also officially canceled this year’s Russian Grand Prix in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The race in Sochi was actually scheduled for September 25th.
“We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those who are suffering from the events in Ukraine,” said the new president of the world motorsport association FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. He hopes for a “quick and peaceful solution to the current situation.”