The Russian kart champion has been the subject of criticism since the victory was celebrated, apparently with a Nazi salute.
Artem Severiukhin, 15, was punched in the chest and outstretched his right hand while on the podium following Sunday’s victory in the first round of the FIA Karting Championships in Portimao, Portugal. The Russian driver raced with an Italian license because the International Automobile Federation, which drives Formula 1 and other body shops, banned Russia’s competitors after that country. Invasion of UkraineThe Washington Post Reported. Severijkin made a seemingly insulting gesture as he played the Italian national anthem – and seemed to laugh afterwards.
The FIA said Monday in a statement on Twitter that it had initiated “an immediate investigation into Severikhin’s unacceptable actions.” He promised that “in this case will take further steps”.
Severyukhin’s team, Ward Racing, also said in a statement posted on Instagram on Monday that they will no longer be in a relationship with the teenager and they intend to “continue to terminate his racing contract.”
In a statement, the Sweden -based team said: “Artem Severijukhin’s actions at the awards ceremony on April 10, 2022 are purely individual and do not represent the views and values of Ward Racing.”
Added: “On the contrary, Ward Racing stands by the side of the international community, condemning Russia’s aggression on Ukraine and expressing its solidarity with the people affected by this unreasonable and heinous attack.”
HuffPost contacted the FIA and Ward Racing for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Severyukhin posted a video message on the Telegram channel of the Russian Automobile Federation on Monday, in which he apologized for “what happened yesterday at the European Karting Championship” for an act that was “considered by many as a salute of the Nazis “.
News | უსი Russian kart driver Artem Severyukhin responded to the Telegram incident in which he allegedly made a Nazi salute after a podium kart race. pic.twitter.com/lmY8aMgLQQ
– F1 Feeder series (@ F1FeederSeries1) April 11, 2022
Severyukhin said the gesture was misunderstood and the belief that it was a Nazi salute was “wrong”.
“I have never supported Nazism,” he said, adding that he considered their actions “the worst crime against humanity”.
He said that although he knew he was “stupid” and “willing to be punished” for his actions, he said he did not understand his actions.
“Please believe there was no intention in my actions,” he said. “There is no support for the Nazis.”
Source: Huffpost
