Nikita Mazepin will be used as Russia’s neutral athlete in his first Formula 1 season, with “RAF” appearing next to his name in place of a flag.
Government sponsored doping in Russia has resulted in athletes from the country being banned from using their flag in major international competitions in many disciplines, including Formula 1. This was followed by a decision by the Sports Arbitration Court on a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The list of participants for the Bahrain Grand Prix describes Mazepin’s nationality as “RAF”. This was allowed in place of the phrase “Russian Automobile Association” as the association itself is representative of Russia.
Although Mazepin’s license is issued by the RAF, Mazepin cannot officially be called a Russian athlete this year. He may only use descriptions relating to “Russia” if they are equivalent to the term “neutral athlete”.
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The CAS decision also prevents athletes from “publicly displaying the flag of the Russian Federation (current or historical), the name“ Russia ”, or a national emblem or symbol on their clothing in official facilities or in other areas controlled by the FIA Or the organizers of FIA competitions ”.
Mazepin’s Haas team paintwork and overalls have attracted attention as they feature blue, red, and white stripes similar to those of the Russian flag – Mazepin is prohibited from using them. His team boss Günther Steiner confirmed today that the paintwork of the car is “the same as in the test” last week.
The CAS ban on Russian entries will apply until the end of 2022, which means Mazepin will have to spend two seasons in F1 before he can fly his country’s flag.
For the only Russian Formula 2 driver Robert Shwartzman, the situation is different due to the lower status of the support series. On the start list for the season opener in Bahrain, the member of the Ferrari Driver Academy is listed as a racing driver with a Russian driver’s license, and his car and overalls bear the Russian flag next to his name.
The race organizers are also allowed to fly the Russian flag when Shwartzman is on the podium.
Update: An earlier version of this article stated that the Russian flag could not be used during Formula 2 podium ceremonies. This has been corrected.
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2021 Bahrain Grand Prix
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