Ukraine’s FIA-affiliated motor club has urged the governing body of world motorsport to block Russian competitors from events following the outbreak of war between the two countries last week.
Russia sent troops into its western neighbour on Thursday morning, prompting international condemnation. The United States, European Union, United Kingdom and other countries have brought sanctions against Russia in response.
The FIA and Formula 1 announced last week the Russian Grand Prix, which was scheduled to take place at Sochi Autodrom on September 25th, would not go ahead. The Haas team removed the logos of title sponsor Uralkali and its associated Russian colour scheme from its cars, motorhome and garage.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wrote to the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine on Thursday saying “you can be assured of my full support and that of the FIA. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any help you may need.”
In response, FAU president Leonid Kostyuchenko appealed to Ben Sulayem to take a series of actions against Russia and Belarus, its neighbour and Russian ally through which part of the invasion was launched.
The FAU called on the FIA to exclude all members from the two countries and prevent their licence-holders from competing in events outside their borders. This move would prevent Haas driver Nikita Mazepin from continuing his Formula 1 career. Team principal Guenther Steiner acknowledged last week that his driver may be replaced.
The FAU also urged the FIA to prohibit the display of symbols associated with the “aggressor countries” and prevent them from holding official FIA events within their borders or occupied areas of Ukraine.
Other FIA series have joined F1 in abandoning plans to hold races in Russia. On Saturday, the FIA World Touring Car Cup also called off its Russian event.
The FAU is based in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Civilians are fleeing the city in huge numbers as the Russian army advances upon it.
“Despite the fact that Kyiv and most Ukrainian cities are under cruise and ballistic missile fire, there are casualties and civilian casualties, FAU staff continue to perform their duties online from their actual locations,” Kostyuchenko told Ben Sulayem.
“Given the current situation, the FAU is preparing a proposal for possible measures of support from the FIA for the postwar period, when all state resources will be directed to recovery.”
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