FIA launches investigation as Russian karting champion Artem Severiukhin apologises after podium salute

Russian karting champion Artem Severiukhin has apologised for appearing to display the Nazi salute on the podium at the European karting championships, with the FIA investigating his ‘unacceptable conduct.’ Severiukhin opened the palm of his hand before stretching it out, as he celebrated his victory in round one of the FIA Karting European Championship at Portimao. Ad/> The 15-year-old has since posted his apology on the Russian Automobile Federation’s Telegram channel.

/> Ford — Bring on tomorrow‘An amazing feat of engineering!’ – The Ford helmet that is set to revolutionise sport31/01/2022 AT 09:31 He said: «I would like to apologise for what happened yesterday at the European Karting Championship. »Standing on the podium, I depicted a gesture that many perceived as a Nazi greeting.

But that's not true — I have never supported Nazism and consider it one of the most terrible crimes against humanity." In explaining the chest-thump, he added: «I was performing under an Italian licence and won the race under the Italian flag. The guys in front of the podium were telling me that in Italy to show your gratitude in such cases, it's a custom to hit oneself on the chest in the heart area.

“I just wanted to perform that gesture. I can't explain how the rest happened.