Nikita Mazepin banned from competing in British Grand Prix

British Grand Prix

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Mazepin banned from competing in British Grand Prix

Motorsport UK has banned Russian and Belarusian drivers from UK events

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 2 March 2022 12:23 Updated: 12:29

Motorsport UK has imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian licensed competitors from participating in UK events, meaning Nikita Mazepin will miss the British Grand Prix.

The announcement comes a day after an extraordinary meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, triggered in the wake of Russia's escalating invasion of Ukraine.

The WMSC determined Russian and Belarusian drivers would be allowed to continue to compete, so long as they do so under a neutral flag and adherence to the governing body's political neutrality stance.

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Motorsport UK, however, has gone one step further. Chair David Richards said: “The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict. “We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded.

"This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU).”

A statement from Motorsport UK added: "Recognition of licences issued by the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) and the Belarus Automobile Federation (BAF) is suspended in the UK. As a consequence: "No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK

"No Russian/Belarusian licenced 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 "The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis."

Mazepin's F1 future was already in doubt with Haas providing no guarantees over his drive.

The Russian's father, oligarch Dmitry, owns sponsor Uralkali. The company logos were removed from the VF-22 for the final day of testing in Barcelona last week.