Russian teenage karter sacked and investigated by FIA over apparent Nazi salute

A teenage Russian karter is being investigated by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and has been sacked by his team after making what appeared to be a Nazi salute after winning a race on Sunday.

Artem Severiukhin, competing under an Italian licence because the FIA has banned Russian competitors amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, struck his chest twice with his fist before extending his right arm on the winner's podium in Portimao, Portugal. He then burst out laughing.

FIA is launching a investigation into the incident where Russian driver Artem Severiukhin (competing under the Italian flag) showed a nazi salute at the World Karting Championship.pic.twitter.com/XqJaJivIsy

It happened following Severiukhin's win in the first round of the European Championship on Sunday.

The FIA said on Monday that "it has launched an immediate investigation into the unacceptable conduct of Mr Artem Severiukhin that occurred during the podium ceremony".

Severiukhin's Ward Racing team said they had fired him.

"Ward Racing is deeply in shame of the pilot's action," the Swedish team wrote on Instagram, adding that it had made clear its opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by putting 'No War' stickers on driver helmets and has three Ukrainian refugee families travelling with the team.

"On the basis of these considerations Ward Racing sees no possibility of continued cooperation with Artem Severiukhin and will proceed with terminating his racing contract."

NEWS |