Nikita Mazepin must agree not to show support for Russian invasion to stay in F1, says FIA

Formula One's rulers will demand Russian driver Nikita Mazepin signs a document forbidding him from voicing support for his country's invasion of Ukraine if he is to compete in the sport this season.

Mazepin is the grid's sole Russian driver, and it is unclear if American-owned Haas will keep him on for the new campaign.

His father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, is a part-owner of Haas' title sponsor, Uralkali, and an associate of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

READ | Russia's Nikita Mazepin is cleared to race in F1, but he'll have to do it under a neutral flag

The FIA has allowed Russian drivers to continue racing, albeit under a neutral flag.

But the sporting federation said on Friday that all drivers must agree to its principles of peace and neutrality and "acknowledge the strong commitment made by the FIA to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine, and all of those suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict".

Among the commitments Russian and Belarusian drivers and officials must sign up to is that they "will not express any support (direct or indirect) for the Russian and/or Belarusian activities in respect of Ukraine" and an acceptance that the FIA could implement further measures as the conflict unfolds.

Formula One terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix on Thursday, while Motorsport UK announced Russian-licenced drivers would be banned from competing in the United Kingdom.

It means Mazepin will not be able to participate in July's British Grand Prix.

The new season starts in Bahrain from 18 to 20 March.