'Australia also considering banning Russian and Belarusian athletes'
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- GPblog.com
After the British motorsport federation, the Australian motorsport federation is now also considering banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from the country. Despite the FIA 's statement, this would mean that Nikita Mazepin is already unwelcome in two countries in 2022.
Sanctions against Russia
With the invasion of Ukraine, it is becoming increasingly difficult for athletes from Russia to practice their sport. In soccer, all Russian clubs were already removed from European leagues and Russia as a country is no longer allowed to compete in the World Cup. Also, Russian and Belarusian athletes are not allowed to compete in the Paralympic Games.
The FIA lagged behind compared to other sports federations in this regard. In fact, the FIA excluded Russian teams and wears the Russian flag and anthem, but Russian athletes are allowed to continue racing under neutral flags. The FIA has a problem, however, as several countries are now taking steps on their own to counter this.
No Australian GP for Mazepin
If Haas chooses to keep Nikita Mazepin as its driver, he will not be allowed to race the British Grand Prix in 2022. This is because the British Motorsport Association has decided that Russian and Belarusian athletes are not welcome in the country, even under a neutral flag.
Motorsport.com now reports that the same sanction is being considered in Australia. So also for the Melbourne Grand Prix there is a chance that Mazepin would not be allowed to compete. The matter is being reviewed in consultation with the federal authorities and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation'', a Motorsport Australia spokesman said.