The Fate Of Russian Racer Nikita Mazepin Has Been Answered In F1

Russian Haas F1 driver Nikita Mazepin. (Instagram/@nikita_mazepin)

JAKARTA – The racer for the Haas team from Russia, Nikita Mazepin, is certain to be able to take part in Formula 1 (F1) racing this season. The certainty was after the International Automotive Federation (FIA) allowed Russian and Belarusian racers to take part in the race.

The FIA confirmed its decision after an emergency meeting to discuss the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the racing world on Tuesday, March 1 local time. Russian and Belarusian drivers are allowed to take part in the races as neutral athletes.

This decision at once annulled the request of the Ukrainian Automotive Federation (FAU) for the FIA to ban Russian and Belarusian drivers from competing in international events, including F1.

"The steps taken today recognize the authority of the FAU in Ukraine and are also in line with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)", said FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem, quoted by the Mirror.

Mazepin's position in the Haas team has been in doubt since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on February 24. The invasion made the team that houses Mazepin remove the logo of their Russian sponsor, Uralkali.

It should be noted that Uralkali is a company owned by Mazepin's father, Dmitry Mazepin. This leaves the Haas driver at risk of not being on the grid at the end of this month's season opener.

Haas boss Guenther Steiner insists the team will be able to survive financially despite losing Uralkali. He also added that he cannot make any guarantees over Mazepin's future as a team driver.

Should Mazepin be left out of the team, Haas would have less than three weeks to find a replacement ahead of the race in Bahrain on March 18-20 nearest.

Despite allowing Russian and Ukrainian riders to appear, the FIA still canceled the Russian Grand Prix which was supposed to be held in September. In addition, the international automotive parent also followed several recommendations from the IOC regarding the flags and national anthems of Russia and Belarus.

The FIA ensures that the flags or other national symbols of the two countries cannot be displayed at any event. The same goes for their national anthem.

"We condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those who have suffered as a result of the events in Ukraine. I would like to thank the members of the council for their swift action in deciding on these steps in the interests of sport and peace", said Sulayem.

The sporting world has widely sanctioned Russia since its president, Vladimir Putin, launched a military operation into Ukraine. The parent of international football has even suspended playing for the Russian national team in events that are shaded by FIFA, including the World Cup.

Not only the Russian national team that was given a penalty. Red Bear Country Clubs have also been banned from playing in the FIFA and UEFA arenas.