Paris | The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has opened an investigation after the young Russian driver’s Nazi salute under the Italian flag during a race at the European Karting Championship in Portugal, it was announced Monday.
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“The FIA confirms that it has opened an immediate investigation into the unacceptable conduct of Mr. Artem Severokhin which occurred during the coronation ceremony of the OK class during the first round of the 2022 European Karting Championship. From the FIA,” the Algarve, in southern Portugal, the FIA wrote. In a press release.
“The FIA will continue to follow up on this issue shortly,” she added.
On Sunday, in first place on the podium, Artem Severiukhin twice hit his heart with his fist before extending his right arm in a gesture suspected of being a Nazi salute, in the direction of the crowd, before getting hilarious, can we see it on the championship video.
Because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIA does not allow Russian drivers to compete under their banner. Driving under the Italian flag, it was the Italian anthem that was played during this platform.
Despite apologizing in a video posted to Instagram, and denying any Nazi salutes, Team Ward Racing decided to terminate his contract: “Ward Racing sees no prospect of continuing to cooperate with Artem Severiukhin and will continue to terminate his racing contract,” she said in a statement.