F1: Russian and Belarusian drivers can compete in neutral capacity

MOTORSPORT’S governing body the FIA is to allow Russian competitors to take part in international events despite the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

President Mohammed ben Sulayem said the FIA “condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine”.

But the statement added that Russian and Belarusian drivers and officials could compete in a neutral capacity.

The FIA also confirmed that this year’s Russian Grand Prix was cancelled because of “force majeure”.

The FIA said the decision was “in accordance with International Olympic Committee recommendations”.

However, on Tuesday the IOC called for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be prevented from competing in international events.

An FIA spokesman said the organisation was “acting like Fifa, ITF, UCI… we ban national teams not athletes in foreign teams”.

The FIA’s decision permits Russian driver Nikita Mazepin to race in F1 this season with the Haas team.

Last week, Haas team principal Gunther Steiner said the team had “legal issues to go through” with regard to Mazepin.

The 22-year-old’s father Dmitry is a major financial backer of the team through his chemicals company and is a close associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin. – bbc.com