Mazepin To Miss British GP As Motorsport UK Bans Russian License Holders From Their Events

On Wednesday, a day after the FIA concluded that Russian and Belarusian drivers will be allowed to race in FIA competitions under a neutral 'FIA Flag', Motorsport UK announced that the licenses issued to Russia and Belarus have been suspended "with immediate effect." By targeting the nationality of the competitors, Motorsport UK has taken out the possibilities of such competitors racing under a neutral flag in the country. They also said that no Russian and Belarusian licensed teams are approved to enter competitions in the country or participate in motor sporting events either, and banned the display of Russian or Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags, even on team uniforms, equipment and cars, at Motorsport UK-permitted events.

Also Read: Russian & Belarusian Drivers Can Compete In F1 Without National Flag

David Richards CBE, chair of Motorsport UK, said in a statement, "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."

This means that Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin will no longer be able to participate in the British GP, despite the decision of the FIA. The Russian driver's future has already been uncertain as Haas F1 Team decided to remove all of Uralkali's branding and the Russian colours from their car during the first F1 2022 pre-season test at Barcelona.

Also Read: Haas Has Dropped Uralkali's Branding And Russian-Flag Themed Livery

Haas ran their VF22 car with a plain white livery on the last day of the first pre-season test

Uralkali - which is partly owned by Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita's father - has been the title sponsor for Haas F1 Team since last year, and the partnership between Uralkali and Haas was crucial in deciding the employment of Nikita Mazepin as a driver for the F1 team. However, with the Russian potash manufacturer's funding out of the picture, it was unlikely for Nikita Mazepin to retain his seat with the American owned team. Adding the uncertainties surrounding Russian nationals in international sporting events, it has become almost inevitable for Haas to replace Mazepin with another driver.

Also Read: Russian Grand Prix Canceled Amidst Ukraine Invasion

While Pietro Fittipaldi - Haas F1 Team's reserve driver - will be ready to step in for Mazepin in the immediate need, Haas will be looking at other options too, with ex-F1 drivers Antonion Giovinazzi and Nico Hulkenberg being the frontrunners for the seat.

Aston Martin F1's reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg is one of the favourites for the seat.