FIA relaxes rules for Russian drivers, national flag allowed again

Russian and Belarusian drivers are now allowed to participate in international events under their own national flag again. The FIA has relaxed the emergency measures that were introduced after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Drivers from both countries are also no longer required to sign a neutrality declaration. However, Russia and Belarus are not allowed to organize international races.

After the outbreak of the war, the FIA imposed extensive restrictions on Russia and Belarus. No international competitions were allowed to be organized in either country, and national teams were excluded. Russian and Belarusian drivers could still participate, but had to do so under a neutral flag or the flag of another country, provided they held a license from a recognized national motorsport federation.

Partial relaxation

After a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council earlier this month, these restrictions for individual participants have been relaxed. Russian and Belarusian drivers are allowed to display their own flag again, and national symbols, including team colors and flags, are permitted once more. A circular from the FIA states: “For clarity, the participation of Russian and Belarusian drivers, participants, and officials in a particular country remains subject to compliance with all applicable transnational, national, and local laws.”

The relaxation does not mean that Russia and Belarus are allowed to organize international events again. Those restrictions remain in effect. The FIA emphasizes that the situation is subject to change. “The FIA continues to closely monitor the events in Ukraine and reserves the right to take further actions or measures in the future,” the statement continues. The earlier restrictions have led several Russian drivers to adopt a different national racing license to continue their careers. For example, former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat has raced in recent years with an Italian license.