Russian auto racer Daniil Kvjat disagrees that sanctions imposed on Russia for the attack on Ukraine will also affect Russian athletes. In the end, after the FIA’s decision to start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he himself would not have come, but he had to rise under the banner of neutrality.
Shortly after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday called for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competition, former Russian Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvjat objected to the appeal.
Representatives from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) also heard a similar sound. On Monday, the Ukrainian motorsport leadership called for the expulsion of all Russian and Belarusian members. The federation’s leadership finally allowed Russian and Belarusian drivers to compete as neutral athletes.
Thanks to this, the 27-year-old pilot was able to take part in an endurance race on the Russian G-Drive team this year. The highlight of the season is the 24-hour race at Le Mans.
Unlike some of his compatriots, Kvjat does not explicitly support Russian aggression in Ukraine. “I sincerely hope for a peaceful solution to the situation in Ukraine and that we will all be able to live in peace. Let’s hope that all parties will find a mutual dialogue filled with respect for that solution. Statements on social networks.
“I don’t want the future of humanity to be affected by military action and war. I want my daughter and all the children to enjoy this beautiful world,” added former F1 pilot Toro Rosso, Red Bull and AlphaTauri.
However, he later joined the International Olympic Committee for calling for a boycott of athletes from Russia and Belarus. “I want to emphasize and convey to all sporting federations around the world, including the IOC, that sport must remain outside of politics. Not allowing Russian athletes and teams to compete in world competitions is an unfair solution. This goes against what sport is in it. principles teach us. That is, with unity and peace.”
“Who else but us athletes will help unite the nation in the future,” added the Russian.
Russia has missed out on this year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, which will take place in Sochi in September. Kvyat’s compatriot, Nikita Mazepin, may lose his place in the Haas cage. The young man is sponsored by the Russian group Uralkali, which has been significantly affected by sanctions from the international community. In addition, his father Dmitry was an oligarch who was closely related to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The situation in Ukraine is also taken into account by the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM). Russia has won the May Day Grand Prix in motocross at the Orljonok track in the Krasnodar region and the Grand Prix on the flat track in Togliatti. He is scheduled for July 9.
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