Kvyat on banning Russian athletes – ‘unfair solution’

The FIA is holding an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday to consider its response to the situation in Ukraine, following a call from Ukraine’s motorsport governing body for competitors from Russia and Belarus to be banned from international racing.

Daniil Kvyat believes it would be an “unfair solution” to ban Russian athletes from entering sporting events all over the globe.

Kvyat, the second driver in Formula 1 history to hail from Russia, has taken to social media to express his wish to see peace between his homeland and Ukraine following an invasion by Russia.

On Monday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that no Russian or Belarusian athletes should be allowed to compete in any international competitions and, with the FIA part of the IOC since 2012, an emergency meeting has been called.

Haas’ Russian driver Nikita Mazepin is facing expulsion from the sport, while the team themselves have already removed all branding from their main sponsors Uralkali – the company being owned by Nikita’s father, Dmitry.

But Mazepin’s fellow compatriot, Kvyat, feels banning Russian athletes is sending out the wrong message.

“I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine, and that we can all live in peace,” he said.

“Hopefully all parties can find a solution by sitting together and through a respected dialogue. It horrifies me to see two brotherhood nations in a conflict.

“I don’t want military actions and wars to influence the future of humanity. I want my daughter and all children to enjoy this beautiful world.

“I would also like to highlight and address all sports federations across the world, including IOC, that sport should remain outside politics, and disallowing Russian athletes and teams from participating in world competitions is an unfair solution and goes against what sport teaches us in principle: the unity and peace.

“Who else if not us sports people will help to glue nations together in the upcoming times.”

Kvyat, having still been involved in the Formula 1 circle up until last year as a reserve driver for Alpine, is now hoping to kick-start a new chapter in motorsport driving for G-Drive Racing in the LMP2 class in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

As for Nikita Mazepin, if he was to be banned from competing in Formula 1, Pietro Fittipaldi is first in line to take his spot on the F1 2022 grid.

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Kvyat on banning Russian athletes Kvyat on banning Russian athletes