FIA bans drivers from citing Russia and Belarus

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin has an uncertain future at Haasreproduction

Posted on 03/04/2022 15:45

The emergency meeting of the World Motorsports Council on Tuesday after the invasion of Ukraine established very strict procedures and rules that must be followed literally by drivers and individuals directly involved in the world of speed. The names of Russia and Belarus are practically banned. In a document containing several rules, there is a ban on citing countries on social networks.

Drivers with Russian or Belarusian citizenship are allowed to compete in world motorsport, but without defending the colors and anthems of their countries. Everyone will have to sign the commitment terms.

“I will not display any national symbols, colors or flags of Russia/Belarus publicly or through social networks or the media,” reads clause 4 of the document from the FIA, which was published on Friday.

Another fairly rigid article is the seventh. “I will not make statements or comments, take any actions or act in a way that is detrimental to the interests of the FIA, in any competition and / or in motorsport in general. On the private side, I will not express any support (directly or indirectly) for the Russian. and/or Belarusian on Ukraine-related activities.”

Formula 1 had already permanently banned the Russian Grand Prix from the calendar and Russian drivers were banned from racing in the United Kingdom. Failure to comply with the rules will result in severe penalties for pilots.

The FIA condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the support provided by Belarus. Country representatives in motorsports will not be able to get quotes from their country on helmets, cars, uniforms, personal items … not even singing the national anthem at competition venues.