Nazi salute from a teenager at an FIA karting match

Severiyukin, who is fighting with the Italian flag – after the FIA ​​banned Russian drivers from flying their country’s flag over the Russian invasion of Ukraine – appears on TV to deliver a Nazi salute to the sound of the provocative national anthem.

The FIA ​​​​was quick to announce that they were already conducting an urgent preliminary investigation into the incident: The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile confirms that an immediate investigation has been launched into Artem Severiyukin’s unacceptable behavior during the FIA ​​awards ceremony at the first round of the 2022 FIA Karting Championship at the Kartodromo Internacional do Algarve in Porto. The FIA ​​should soon communicate the further steps that will be taken in this case”.

Meanwhile, the reaction from Severiyokin’s team was immediate. Swedish team Ward Racing immediately condemned the driver change, saying in a statement they were “deeply ashamed” and announcing they were terminating his contract.

The team explicitly stated that “Artem Severyukin’s actions are strictly personal and in no way represent the views and values ​​of Ward Racing. On the contrary, Ward Racing stands with the international community condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expresses its support for the suffering of the people facing this unprovoked and horrific attack.”

Finally, the group notes that Severyukin’s actions show “a manifestation of unsportsmanlike conduct, an unacceptable violation of sport’s code of ethics. “Based on this, Ward Racing sees no chance to continue the partnership with Artem Severyukin and will proceed with the termination of his racing contract.”