Haas’ Nikita Mazepin has been banned from competing at the British Grand Prix, despite the FIA announcing they would let the Russian race in 2022.
Mazepin’s future remained up in the air following his home nation’s recent invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
With a number of sporting governing bodies taking action against Russian athletes, many expected that Mazepin would also be banned from competing in Formula 1.
However the FIA revealed yesterday that the Russian national would in fact be allowed to compete in the upcoming campaign, racing under the governing body’s flag rather than that of Russia.
Despite the FIA’s decision, British Grand Prix chiefs have decided to take the opposite stance and have banned Mazepin from competing at Silverstone in July.
A statement from the chair of Motorsport UK, David Richards CBE confirmed the decision on Wednesday.
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)."
Richards then went on to encourage his fellow international colleagues to follow the actions of Motorsport UK, and also ban any Russian representation from competing at their national races.
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He added: “It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt.
“We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war.
“Motorsport UK stands united with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the FAU, the Ukrainian motorsport community and the Ukrainian people and calls for the violence to end with a peaceful resolution.”
