Nikita Mazepin F1 ban demanded as Ukrainian motorsport body respond to FIA

Russia - Ukraine

Mazepin F1 ban demanded as Ukrainian motorsport body respond to FIA

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered its fifth day of fighting

Ewan Gale

Monday 28 February 2022 11:40

Ukraine's automobile federation has called for the FIA to ban drivers holding Russian licenses from competition outside of the country, which would directly impact Haas F1's Nikita Mazepin.

The call comes as part of a raft of measures desired by the FAU as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has been condemned by leaders worldwide.

Other sanctions asked for include a blanket ban on all international events held in either Russia or Belarus, the neighbouring country that has seen troops enter Ukraine from the northwest.

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Haas removed Uralkali stickers and the red and blue colouring from its VF-22 at testing last week due to its connection with Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, leaving the F1 future of both the company and his son Nikita in doubt.

The FAU has responded to a letter from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in which he said: "You can be sure of my full support and the support of the FIA.

"Please do not hesitate to contact me for any assistance.

"I sincerely hope that this situation will improve as soon as possible without harming the civilian population."

A statement on the FAU website read: "In a reply letter, FAU President Leonid Kostyuchenko, on behalf of the members of the Automobile Federation of Ukraine and himself, expressed his sincere gratitude for the words of support for our federation at a time when invaders from the Russian Federation and Belarus treacherously attacked our country."

Fighting has entered its fifth day with Ukrainian and Russian delegates set to hold talks on the Belorussian border.

FAU statement in full

In a reply letter, FAU President Leonid Kostyuchenko, on behalf of the members of the Automobile Federation of Ukraine and himself, expressed his "sincere gratitude for the words of support for our federation at a time when invaders from the Russian Federation and Belarus treacherously attacked our country.

"Despite the fact Kyiv and most cities in Ukraine are under cruise and ballistic missile fire, there are civilian casualties, FAU staff continue to perform their duties online from their actual locations.

"Given the current situation, the FAU is preparing a proposal for possible measures of support from the FIA for the post-war period, when all state resources will be directed to recovery.

"At the request of FAU members, we ask you to:

- prohibit the use of state symbols of the aggressor countries of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus during the FIA and FIA-sanctioned competitions;

- prohibit the holding of FIA and FIA-authorised competitions on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus;

- prohibit RAF and RAF-sanctioned competitions in the occupied territories of Ukraine;

- exclude from the FIA all members from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus;

- to exclude from the FIA commissions all persons representing organisations from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus;

- prohibit holders of all licenses issued by the RAF and BAF from competitions outside the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

FAU Executive Directorate