Ban on Russian athletes would be “unfair”, says ex-F1 driver Kvyat

The FIA is holding an “extraordinary meeting” of the World Motor Sport Council on Tuesday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This came after the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) statement which asked all sports to not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials and teams from competing in international events.

As a result, the future of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin is under serious threat, while Kvyat’s own plans for 2022 - competing in the World Endurance Championship with G-Drive LMP2 team - is in doubt.

The ex-Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri and Red Bull driver has spoken out about the ongoing conflict and says it would be an  “unfair solution” to ban Russian athletes and teams.

In a post on his social media accounts, Kvyat wrote: “I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine, and that we can all live in peace. Hopefully all parties can find a solution by sitting together and through a respectful 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 also would 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 its principle – the unity and peace.

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