FIA allows Russian and Belarusian drivers and teams to compete under their flags

The FIA is part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) family, which provisionally lifted its ban on the Russian Olympic Committee last month.

Around the sporting world, federations still take different approaches towards the two countries' athletes. For example, at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics and the ongoing 2026 European Aquatics Championships, Russian and Belarusian athletes competed under a neutral flag. At the 2026 European Athletics Championships, Russian athletes cannot compete at all. Meanwhile, at the Paralympics earlier this year, Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete under their own flags.

Since 3 August, Russian and Belarusian drivers and teams have been allowed to compete under their national flags, while their national anthems can also be played without restrictions at FIA international and zone competitions.

It was previously not possible following Russia's military attack on Ukraine in 2022, which led the FIA to take emergency measures.

The World Motor Sport Council's decision read: "Russian and Belarusian drivers, national teams, individual competitors and officials are allowed to participate in international/zone competitions without any restrictions. The requirement of signing a commitment to neutrality no longer applies.

The FIA also added: "For the avoidance of doubt, the participation of Russian and Belarusian drivers, competitors and officials in a given country remains subject to compliance with any applicable transnational, national and local laws.