Russian drivers can now compete, under one condition
The FIA updates the measures taken following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. A new rule is introduced regarding Russian and Belarusian drivers with dual nationality.
The World Motor Sport Council announced in a circular the decisions made during their meeting on December 7th.
Since February 2022, the FIA has implemented a series of rules to deal with the war in Ukraine. These emergency measures concern specifically the states of Russia and Belarus, as well as Russian and Belarusian drivers and events based in these countries. As a result, the competitions planned there have been canceled, national teams have been banned from participating in international competitions, and the Russian anthem and flag have been banned.
These rules remain on the agenda but a new possibility for participation in competitions for drivers with dual nationality has been decided.
Russian and Belarusian drivers were already allowed to participate in international competitions, but they couldn’t race under the colors of their home countries. They competed so far as “neutral participants”. They also had to sign a declaration promising not to express their support for Russia. The rule change now allows them to race for their second nationality. They can now completely detach themselves from Russia and are no longer obliged to sign the declaration.
