The Ukrainian Automobile Federation (FAU) has officially appealed to the FIA against the decision to lift restrictions on the participation of Russians and Belarusians in international competitions. The entity requested an urgent review of the measure approved in early August.
Read more F1: Alpine shows excitement for the 2026 season restart: «Keep fighting with rivals»
These restrictions had been adopted in March 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The recent decision did not establish a total ban for drivers, competitors, or officials from the two countries, who until then could participate under the FIA flag and had to commit to neutrality.
With the change, Russians and Belarusians are now allowed to compete without these limitations, while national symbols, flags, and anthems were also authorized. However, the ban on holding international competitions on the territories of Russia and Belarus remains.
The FAU expressed ‘categorical disagreement’ and requested the FIA president and members of the World Motor Sport Council to ‘urgently review and cancel the decision of August 3, 2026, and reinstate the restrictions on the use of national symbols of the two countries.’ According to the Ukrainian federation, the ongoing conflict means the measure poses ethical and security risks.
Read more NASCAR Brazil: In Londrina, Calderón honors victims of earthquake in Colombia
In the appeal, the FAU also accused Russia and Belarus of using sport as a tool for state propaganda, and stated that international sports policy regarding the two countries should not be changed without considering the war situation and Ukraine’s position. The entity also stated that more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, including motorsport representatives, have been killed during the conflict.
The federation reported that it has communicated the case to the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and is awaiting an official response. The FIA, in turn, stated that it will continue to monitor developments in Ukraine and reserved the right to adopt new measures in the future, including to comply with applicable sanctions and contractual obligations, which includes Formula 1.
Read more F1: Cadillac bets on «a new approach» starting from the Dutch GP
