Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- Reversal Request: Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, called on the FIA to immediately reverse its decision to readmit Russian and Belarusian drivers and teams under their national identity.
- Protest Against “Sportswashing”: Bidnyi warned that lifting sanctions normalizes aggression and allows Russia to use international motorsport for sportswashing while the war continues.
- FIA’s Policy Change: The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council removed the mandatory neutrality declaration, restoring national flags, symbols, and anthems for competitors, though the ban on hosting events in Russia and Belarus remains active.
Ukrainian Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi voiced his strong opposition to the FIA’s recent decision to readmit drivers, individual competitors, and national teams from Russia and Belarus without emergency neutrality requirements.
In a formal statement, Bidnyi emphasized that the ongoing armed conflict leaves no room for normalizing relations with the aggressor nation through international athletics.
“I call on the FIA to reverse its decision to readmit representatives of Russia and Belarus. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. There is no room for the normalization of aggression in international sport and for sportswashing,” Bidnyi declared.
Bidnyi highlighted that over 770 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since the invasion began in February 2022, while more than 925 sports facilities across Ukraine have been destroyed.
The appeal follows an official letter sent by Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports to the FIA—reported by the BBC—requesting an immediate review of the policy change.
FIA’s Updated Policy on Russia and Belarus
The decision by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) lifted key emergency sanctions introduced following the 2022 invasion:
- Restoration of Symbols: Russian and Belarusian drivers, teams, and officials may compete using their national flags, colors, uniform liveries, and anthems.
- Removal of Neutrality Clause: Competitors are no longer required to sign the “FIA Driver Commitment” declaring political neutrality to receive authorization to race.
- Sanctioned Events Remain Banned: The FIA maintained its strict ban prohibiting international or zonal motorsport events from taking place within the physical territory of Russia or Belarus until further notice.
While the FIA stated it will continue to monitor the situation and comply with applicable transnational laws, the decision contrasts with federations like the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), which maintained complete restrictions on Russian and Belarusian competitors.
Formula 1 action resumes August 21–23, 2026, at Circuit Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the final edition of the event before it leaves the F1 calendar. GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all activities live on-site with reporter Leonid Kliuev.
2026 Dutch Grand Prix — Session Schedule (Local Time / CEST)
| Day | Session | Local Time (CEST) |
| Friday, August 21 | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| Friday, August 21 | Sprint Qualifying | 16:30 – 17:14 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Sprint Race | 12:00 – 12:30 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Grand Prix Qualifying | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday, August 23 | Grand Prix (72 Laps) | 15:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What changes did the FIA make regarding Russian and Belarusian drivers?
The FIA removed the requirement for Russian and Belarusian drivers to sign a political neutrality commitment, allowing them to compete in international events under their national flags, colors, and anthems.
Can Formula 1 or other FIA events take place in Russia?
No. The FIA maintained its prohibition on holding any international or zonal motorsport competitions within the territory of Russia or Belarus.
Who is Matvii Bidnyi?
Matvii Bidnyi is the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, who has actively lobbied international sports bodies to maintain sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes.
