Artem Severiukhin has spoken out after the FIA has decided to investigate his alleged Nazi salute on the podium in Portugal during the FIA Karting European Championship. The Russian driver apologizes and states that he did not mean to do it.
Severiukhin drives under an Italian license because Russian drivers are no longer welcome in the FIA's motorsport classes following invasion of Ukraine.
The 15-year-old driver states in an apology video that he is sorry for what happened on the podium on Sunday. He states that there were no intentions behind his movement. He further states that he does not support Nazism. "I am ready to be punished, I am sorry."
Severiukhin reacts for the first time
The team also makes a statement
Meanwhile, Severiukhin's team has also come out with a statement. Ward Racing distances itself from what its driver did on stage and also states that this is not without consequences for Severiukhin.