MOSCOW, Apr 11 Russian racing driver Artem Severyukhin used a gesture reminiscent of the Nazi salute , after winning the first stage of the European Karting Championship. The competition was held in Portimao, Portugal, Severyukhin won the European Championship race. On the podium, the Russian driver, who was driving under the Italian flag due to the sanctions of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), used the “Roman salute” gesture (hit his chest and extended his right hand forward). Severyukhin is 15 years old, he is the winner of the Russian Karting Championship 2019 and 2020. At the moment, the FIA has not officially commented on the incident. The FIA banned competitions in Russia and Belarus due to the aggravation of the situation in Ukraine. Athletes from these countries will be allowed to international competitions only under a neutral flag. The FIA later confirmed that the organization's previous decision of 1 March remains in effect. However, sanctioned riders must comply with a number of requirements and obligations by signing a declaration of commitment to the principles of peace and political neutrality.
