Former F1 driver Vitaly Petrov has questioned the adequacy of crowning F1 with a ‘world championship’ without including Russia.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian drivers will be restricted from participating in FIA affiliated championships, and drivers will have to run on the neutral flag to be allowed to participate in sanctioned events.
Some drivers with additional nationalities are allowed to run under another racing licence, such as Robert Schwartzman, who now runs under an Israeli licence.
Former 2021 Haas F1 Team driver Nikita Mazepin failed to retain his F1 seat for 2022, while former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat lost his WEC (FIA World Endurance Championship) seat.
Former Caterham and Renault F1 racer Vitaly Petrov has expressed frustration at Russia’s lack of motorsport opportunities.
In an interview with Russia’s Sport-Express, Vitaly Petrov was asked if he thought the lack of Russians in this year’s Dakar Rally made the champion unorthodox.
I don’t think there will be a champion or an Olympic title without Russia.”
“Even more so in the Dakar. How many times have our countrymen won in the Dakar! To put it mildly, we are not last. 19 wins!”
“But we’re talking about all sports, not just Dakar. We should stop being afraid and put Russia back into world sports.”
“For me, that is unacceptable.
Petrov added that he believes Russia should focus on developing its own best drivers in anticipation of the lifting of restrictions.
Asked about the future of Russian motorsport, Petrov added: “It’s certainly sad.”
“But in terms of motorsport in general, if all the strong drivers compete in Russia, the level of internal competition and the overall level of racing would be greatly improved.”
“There will be people who will challenge new classes, people who will bring new cars, new spectators. We can use the current situation as a driving force for the development of motorsport. After all, isolation doesn’t last forever.”
Category: F1 / Vitaly Petrov / F1 Russian Grand Prix
