FIA says Russian and Belarussian drivers - such as Haas' Nikita Mazepin - can continue to race in F1 in 2022

The FIA says Russian drivers can continue to race in international competitions in spite of their country's invasion of Ukraine. In a statement released on Tuesday night, the FIA revealed that president Mohammed ben Sulayem had chaired an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) earlier in the day which had as its aim to «address matters relating to the ongoing situation in Ukraine».

Ad/> Though the FIA revealed in that meeting that Russian and Belarusian drivers would not be banned, they will however not be able to compete under their own flag, instead participating «in a neutral capacity and under the FIA flag». Formula 1F1 driver Mazepin admits Instagram video was 'huge mistake'04/03/2021 AT 13:57 Opening the meeting, FIA president Mohamed ben Sulayem said: “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.

«We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine. »I would like to stress that the FIA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup.

Russia, Belarus banned from team events, individuals to play on tour 'You have to stop asking me!' — Tuchel furious over Ukraine questions «An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval.” The FIA's ruling means that Haas' Russian driver Nikita Mazepin is able to take part in the 2022 season. That will likely create ongoing controversy given Mazepin's father — a financial backer for the