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Russian driver Nikita Mazepin BANNED from racing at British GP despite being allowed to compete in season

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NIKITA MAZEPIN will NOT be able to take part in this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competing.

Less than 15 hours after F1’s governing body, the FIA, failed to take decisive actions against Russian and Belarussian competitors, the UK’s motorsport organisation has.

Nikita Mazepin has been banned from racing at SilverstoneCredit: Getty
Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competingCredit: Reuters

Nikita Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport UK, says they have “considered the appropriate response to the ongoing acts of war and aggression conducted in Ukraine by Russia and Belarus”.

Richards said: “The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict.

“We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded.

“This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine.”

Yesterday at an extraordinary meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the World Motor Sport Council agreed that competitors holding Russian and Belarussian racing licences could still race under an “FIA flag”.

However, Motorsport UK has gone a step further by stopping them, including Mazepin, from competing full stop.

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🔵 Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates

The Motorsport UK statement added: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK.

“No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.

“No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.

“The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”

Richard added: “It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt.

“We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war.

“Motorsport UK stands united with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the FAU, the Ukrainian motorsport community and the Ukrainian people and calls for the violence to end with a peaceful resolution.”

Here is the full line-up for the 2022 Formula 1 season

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk

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