FIA is to hold an special and extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council to discuss the matters relating to Ukraine and Russia.
With the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it has sent shockwaves to the world which has forced businesses to take quick decisions. It has largely centered around sanctions and bans for the Soviet nation – at least temporarily if not permanent.
FIFA has already decided to disallow Russia in football world cup, while FIA has so far noted that it is not feasible to hold Russian GP at Sochi for now. The WTCR series has cancelled its Russian round, while FIM has done the same with bike races.
On a larger context, FIA has to decide if they are to implement the International Olympic Committee guidelines which will force Russian athletes to not get a license to compete representing their country. It not involves Russia but also Belarus in the order.
Should FIA adopt similar stance, it will force many racers in different categories to be banned from competing. F1 does have Nikita Mazepin racing for Haas, while Ferrari has Robert Shwartzman as its reserve driver – who is expected to undertake test runs.
The chances of Mazepin racing this year is not certain with Haas chief Guenther Steiner admitting that the Uralkali sponsorship situation needs to be resolved. The Italian said during the Barcelona test that they will have to decide it by this week.
The FIA has also been urged by the Ukraine Automobile Federation to strike down the Russian and Belarus federations. The governing body is due to convene an urgent WMSC meet on Tuesday to decide the next course of action.
“An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council will be convened tomorrow to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Further updates will be given following the meeting,” stated a statement from the FIA.
Here’s what the IOC has stated: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-eb-recommends-no-participation-of-russian-and-belarusian-athletes-and-officials
Here’s what Ukraine federation wrote
Here’s Guenther Steiner on Haas situation with Uralkali
Here’s news on F1 cancelling Russian GP
