FIA says Russian and Belarusian drivers can compete as neutrals

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FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem says his organisation condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine but said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still take part in its competitions as neutrals.

Motorsport's governing body has become the latest sports institution to criticise Moscow's decision to wage war on Ukraine that has killed hundreds of civilians.

Ben Sulayem convened an extraordinary meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on Tuesday to decide the fate of Russian and Belarusian drivers, teams and officials.

It said the participation of any Russian and Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials, even in a neutral capacity, was subject to a "specific commitment and adherence to the FIA’s principles of peace and political neutrality".

The meeting also confirmed the cancellation of this year's Russian Formula One Grand Prix in Sochi.

“As you know, the FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," said Ben Sulayem.

"We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine."

The Emirati said the WMSC's decision "aligned with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee" and that it stood with the Ukrainian people and hoped for a "peaceful resolution" to the conflict.

The decision would allow Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian on the grid, to continue to race in Formula One.

The 22-year-old already races under a neutral flag due to doping sanctions imposed on Russia.

But he still faces an uncertain future after his US-owned Haas team removed all branding