FIA investigating Russian kart racer who gave alleged ‘Nazi salute’ on podium


The FIA has started an investigation into the steps of Russian karter Artem Severiukhin who appeared to complete a Nazi salute all through yesterday’s FIA Karting European Championship party in Portimao.

Severiukhin gained the opening spherical of the FIA Karting European Championship Alright classification on Sunday. Russian opponents are limited from getting aspect in FIA activities and Severiukhin was racing underneath the Italian flag.

For the duration of the functionality of the Italian nationwide anthem on the podium, Severiukhin struck his upper body two times with his proper hand, then prolonged his arm in entrance of him.

Next the anthem functionality, Severiukhin was handed his trophy by FIA karting president Akbar Ebrahim.

Following footage of Severiukhin’s steps commenced to flow into on social media, the FIA issued a assertion.

“The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile confirms that is has introduced an speedy investigation into the [unacceptable] perform of Mr Artem Severiukhin that occured all through the podium ceremony for the Alright classification at spherical just one of the 2022 FIA Karting European Championship at the Kartodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal,” it reported.

“The FIA will connect soon on the more methods that will be taken in this situation.”

Severiukhin was accused of undertaking a ‘Nazi salute’
Severiukhin was handed his trophy by FIA karting president Akbar Ebrahim

Severiukhin’s crew, Swedish outfit Ward Racing, reported it condemned its driver’ steps “in the strongest attainable terms” and reported they will terminate his agreement to race for them.

“The steps of Artem Severiukhin all through the award ceremony on April tenth, 2022 ended up completely specific and do not symbolize the sights and values of Ward Racing in any fashion,” it reported.

“On the opposite, Ward Racing stands with the global local community condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expresses its solidarity with the individuals struggling for the reason that of this unprovoked and horrific assault.

“Since the start off of the ongoing war, our organization stance has been shown with “No War” helmets and stickers. In addition, we at present have a few Ukrainian households touring with us for the reason that they have no property to return to. As Swedish citizens, we are on top of that very pleased of our region which built the historic determination to mail weapons to Ukraine for the struggle from the Russian military.”

“Ward Racing appropriately condemns the personalized steps of pilot Artem Severyukhin all through the award ceremony on April tenth, 2022 in the strongest attainable conditions, as it considers them a manifestation of unsportsmanlike conduct, an unacceptable violation of the moral and ethical sports activities codex. With this assertion, Ward Racing expresses its belief, as effectively as the belief of all athletes and employees of the Ward Racing crew. On the foundation of these issues, Ward Racing sees no risk for ongoing cooperation with Artem Severyukhin and will progress with terminating his racing agreement.

“Finally, Ward Racing would like to apologize to individuals who ended up damage or distressed by the incidence. It has prolonged been and will continue to be a precedence for Ward Racing to get the job done for a additional varied, inclusive and respectful racing local climate.”

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