F1 News
Big discontent after FIA's 'Russia decision': 'This looks bad'
The FIA has caused a lot of discontent. The motorsports federation came out with sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, but according to some, they are quite disappointing. Nikita Mazepin can 'just' come into action as a driver for Haas.
The FIA came out with a statement on Tuesday night after consultations with the World Motor Sport Council. Races in Russia and Belarus will be canceled, Russian teams will not be allowed to compete in motor sport events, but drivers will be allowed to compete under a neutral flag. There is a lot of dissatisfaction about the last point in particular.
Mazepin can stay
Mazepin, as a Russian, will be able to compete in Formula 1 in 2022, after he drove under the neutral flag in 2021 due to his country's doping suspension. After the invasion of Ukraine, several sports organizations are excluding athletes and sports teams from Russia, but the FIA is lagging behind in this regard and the IOC's advice is not being followed.
Online, several Formula One experts talk about the punishment being too low. For example, Karun Chandhok argues that the FIA could have also forced drivers from Russia to drive under a different nationality and others especially think that the FIA should have listened to the IOC. However, the question now is whether Haas itself will part with Mazepin, as his sponsor Uralkali is not welcome in the sport.
Dissatisfaction with FIA's decision
What isn’t very well known is that drivers can apply to other ASN’s for their licences as the racing nationality is linked to their licence rather than passport.
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) March 2, 2022
Therefore a stronger stand from the FIA would ensure that the drivers also cut ties with Russia & apply elsewhere https://t.co/lG8w0I7ZZD
Have to say I'm a bit disappointed with this... Was hoping for a stronger stand like the IOC has taken. https://t.co/uGTwqOMIyc
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) March 1, 2022
While this decision *theoretically* allows Mazepin to compete in F1, it is very far from certain that he will - restrictions on Russians globally, questions over national sporting bodies recognising Russian licence holders, Haas may well want to remove the association etc
— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) March 1, 2022
Sitting on the fence has never been an elegant look. #fia
— Joe Saward (@joesaward) March 1, 2022
Pretty poor look for the FIA. https://t.co/V21wK7D8xB
— Nate Saunders (@natesaundersF1) March 1, 2022
If the FIA aren't willing to take the right action IMO, I do hope that Haas do.
— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) March 1, 2022
F1 swimming against the tide as FIA allow Russian & Belarusian drivers to continue. Russian driver Mazepin will be able to race under the flag of the governing body. Surely not a good look for the FIA. The official word from Mazepin's Haas team is "no comment".
— Philip Duncan (@PhilDuncanF1) March 1, 2022
