Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the FIA has released the terms and conditions that Russian and Belarussian drivers must adhere to.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the FIA has issued a “driver commitment” to Russian and Belarussian drivers.
On Tuesday afternoon, new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem convened an emergency appointment of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) to tackle the current problem.
Following that, the FIA issued a statement announcing that Russian drivers, including Nikita Mazepin, will be permitted to compete in their respective championships in a neutral capacity and under the ‘FIA flag,’ subject to certain criteria.
There will be no global or zone competitions in Russia or Belarus until further notice, and no Russian or Belarusian cultural flags, colours, or flags will be shown, nor will songs be played.
Drivers from Russia and Belarus are subject to certain terms and requirements
The FIA has recently revealed the terms and conditions of the ‘driver commitment,’ which Russian and Belarussian drivers must adhere to in order to continue competing.
“Considering the decisions of the World Motor Sport Council of 1 March 2022 and the need for emergency measures due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the support provided by Belarus, until further notice all drivers, individual competitors , and officials from Russia or Belarus may participate in international/zone competitions (Covered Events) only on the terms and conditions set out below,” reads the document’s introduction.
There are ten rules that drivers must observe, with the following important statements:
- I acknowledge that I may only participate in Covered Events in an individual and neutral capacity, and not in any way as a representative of Russia or Belarus.
- I will not display any Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, or flags publicly or via social media.
- I will not display on my uniforms, clothing, accessories, or other personal items, or on my equipment or cars at any time in connection with my participation in Covered Events or otherwise in my capacity as a participant in Covered Events the Russian or Belarusian flag (current or historical), any illustration of or reference to the Russian or Belarusian flag, any national emblem or other national symbol of Russia/Belarus (e.g. coat of arms of Russia /double-headed eagle of Russia), the words “Russian”, “Russia”, “Belarus”, “Belarusian”, “Russian Automobile Federation”, “Federation de l’Automobile de Belarus” or the acronyms “RUS” or “RAF” or “BAF”, “FBA”, “BLR” in any language or format or the emblem of the Russian Automobile Federation (“RAF”) or “Federation de l’Automobile de Belarus” (“FBA”/”BAF”).
- I acknowledge that no Russian/Belarusian national anthems will be played at Covered Events.
- I will not make any statements or comments, take any actions, or conduct myself in a manner that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA, any Competition, and/or motorsport generally. In particular, I will not express any support (direct or indirect) for the Russian and/or Belarusian activities in respect of Ukraine.
In view of the current war in Ukraine, the FIA “may apply further measures or issue future decisions” related to the participation of Russian and Belarussian competitors.
Several racing suits inspired by F1 racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price:
