FIA-Russia: Upcoming February Talks Could Help Russian Drivers and Teams
Jan.31 - Russian racing drivers and teams' struggles with Formula 1 governing body the FIA could finally be nearing an end.
It was Haas that ousted Nikita Mazepin and his sponsor Uralkali at the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis three years ago, but the FIA simultaneously imposed restrictions on any drivers or teams in all FIA competitions.
Today, any Russian driver either needs to voluntarily renounce their ties to Russia - like Robert Shwartzman who switched to an Israeli license - or sign a document condemning Vladimir Putin's regime and agreeing to race under a neutral flag.
But according to three-time Dakar Rally winner Anton Shibalov, who refused to agree to the FIA's conditions, changes in the FIA's attitude may now be afoot.
"As participants, including the guys from Kamaz, we are ready to go back even tomorrow," he told Tass news agency.
"I hope that in the coming years this will all stabilise and we will be able to take part again. But I cannot say when exactly this will happen. It depends on the FIA.
"What I can say for sure is that in the near future, in February, negotiations on this topic are planned. It needs to be resolved now - the Dakar has ended, and the Formula 1 season is yet to start. Soon, the FIA president will be much less accessible," Shibalov added.
The Kamaz-Master team dominated Dakar for years until the Ukraine crisis. Shibalov says even direct competitors are looking forward to the Russian team's return.
"This talk has been going on for years. I think they will only be glad to see us," said Shibalov. "As you may have noticed, there is no closeness or intrigue in the races now. There was a gap of 2.5 hours between first and second place," he added, referring to the 2025 Dakar.
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Russian drivers or teams still won't be accepted into F1.
If it is allowed then F1 will lose many followers including me
War is War and should be denigrated at every turn
Who needs them or their ill gotten money
Wise up FIA
Absolutely agree, these people think we should ignore the fact that their deranged leader is responsible for the slaughter of tens of thousands of people for no reason at all except his own crazy ambitions.
Rubbish. Its like blaming me for the behaviour of Starmer and Reeves.
Can if you like but you’re not competing and representing your country in international motor sport and our uk leaders are not murdering megalomaniacs.
Well spoken
Ian Wilson should take a long hard look at his moral compass
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