FIA allows Russian, Belarusian drivers to race under national flags
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 9:55 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
The FIA has lifted sanctions against Russian and Belarusian drivers, permitting them to compete under their national flags starting in August 2026. This change follows a World Motor Sport Council meeting and marks a reversal of measures applied after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, which restricted these drivers to neutral status. The FIA had initially prohibited their participation in international events and required a pledge of neutrality. While the ban on national representation has ended, international competitions in Russia and Belarus remain prohibited. The FIA is maintaining oversight and may implement further actions based on evolving circumstances in Ukraine.
- •FIA revised sanctions effective August 2026
- •Drivers can now race under national flags
- •Neutrality commitment requirement is lifted
- •International events in Russia and Belarus remain banned
- •FIA retains right to impose future sanctions
- 9:55 AMAutosport — FIA lifts sanctions on Russian, Belarusian drivers
- 9:52 AMMotorsport.com — FIA lifts sanctions on Russian, Belarusian drivers
- 9:52 AMYahoo Sports — FIA lifts sanctions on Russian, Belarusian drivers
"The FIA has revised its emergency measures to lift restrictions on Russian and Belarusian drivers and no longer binds them to a commitment of 'neutrality', walking back on the measures placed on them following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the FIA introduced a series of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian organisations and drivers. No ...Keep reading
"The FIA has revised its emergency measures to lift restrictions on Russian and Belarusian drivers and no longer binds them to a commitment of 'neutrality', walking back on the measures placed on them following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the FIA introduced a series of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian organisations and drivers. No ...Keep reading
"Racing drivers from Russia and Belarus will be permitted to race under their national flag, following earlier restrictions placed on them due to the Russo-Ukrainian war
Sources
External links- AutosportAug 14, 2026, 9:55 AMFIA lifts sanctions on Russian, Belarusian drivers
The FIA has revised its emergency measures to lift restrictions on Russian and Belarusian drivers and no longer binds them to a commitment of 'neutrality', walking back on the measures placed on them following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the FIA introduced a series of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian organisations and drivers. No ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comAug 14, 2026, 9:52 AMFIA lifts sanctions on Russian, Belarusian drivers
The FIA has revised its emergency measures to lift restrictions on Russian and Belarusian drivers and no longer binds them to a commitment of 'neutrality', walking back on the measures placed on them following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the FIA introduced a series of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian organisations and drivers. No ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 9:52 AMFIA lifts sanctions on Russian, Belarusian drivers
Racing drivers from Russia and Belarus will be permitted to race under their national flag, following earlier restrictions placed on them due to the Russo-Ukrainian war
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