Russian driver Nikita Mazepin banned from racing at British Grand Prix

Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to take part in this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 23: Nikita Mazepin of Russia and Haas F1 unveils the Haas F1 VF-22 Ferrari during Day One of F1 Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 23, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Haas driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to take part in this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarusian racers from competing.

Less than 15 hours after the FIA failed to take decisive actions against Russian and Belarusian competitors, the UK’s motorsport organisation has, The Sun reports.

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Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport UK, says they have “considered the appropriate response to the ongoing acts of war and aggression conducted in Ukraine by Russia and Belarus”.

“The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict,” Richards said.

“We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded.

“This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d‘Ukraine.”

Nikita Mazepin of Russia, picture on the right, alongside Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner and Mick Schumacher of Germany. Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

At an extraordinary meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the World Motor Sport Council agreed that competitors holding Russian and Belarusian racing licences could still race under an “FIA flag”.

However, Motorsport UK has gone a step further by stopping them, including Mazepin, from competing full stop.

The Motorsport UK statement added: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK.

“No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.

“No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.

“The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”

Richard added: “It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt.

“We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war.

“Motorsport UK stands united with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the FAU, the Ukrainian motorsport community and the Ukrainian people and calls for the violence to end with a peaceful resolution.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission