The governing body of all four-wheel motorsport in the United Kingdom, Motorsport UK, has decided to act individually, where the FIA has collectively decided on a different path, on the suspension of licenses for Russian and Belarusian drivers, as a consequence and response to the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.

Yesterday, following meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, the FIA decided to prevent Russian and Belarusian teams from participating in international competitions until further notice, even if individual drivers will be able to race in international competitions "only in their neutral capacity and under the FIA flag".

FIA Statement - World Motor Sport Council decisions in relation to the situation in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/HwChHhkla6

— FIA (@fia) March 1, 2022

Motorsport UK announced that no Russian and Belarusian drivers are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.

“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.

“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,” said David Richards, Chair of Motorsport UK.

These the decisions taken by Motorsport UK:

• 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 most evident repercussion of these restrictions is that Mazepin will be unable to compete in Silverstone, and to take part to the British GP in July, unless there is a sudden change to what's happening in Eastern Europe right now. 

However, it will be necessary to monitor the internal situation in Haas and its partnership with Uralkali, which could even cost the Russian driver his seat in F1.

“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," Richards concluded.

The Swedish Motorsports Association made a similar decision, by supporting the recommendations of the Swedish Sports Confederation.

The country will not participate in activities in Russia and Belarus, nor will it allow its drivers to compete in Sweden, and won't allow Russian drivers or teams to compete on Swedish soil. Finland has decided to do the same.