Haas driver Nikita Mazepin banned from competing in British Formula 1 Grand Prix
Motorsport UK has banned teams, competitors and officials who hold a Russian or Belarusian licence from entering events, including the British Grand Prix.
The sanctions, in reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, mean Haas Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin is unable to compete at Silverstone.
His position with the Haas team is already in severe doubt, given his drive is only guaranteed through the sponsorship brought to the team by his father, Dmitry, who has close ties to Vladimir Putin.
READ MORE: Jack de Belin breaks three year silence on rape charge
READ MORE: Manu spills on Latrell relationship after brutal hit
READ MORE: McLaughlin at odds with 'unhappy' Power
Haas removed the sponsor logos from the car for the last day of pre-season testing in Spain last week as the situation in Ukraine escalated.
"The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict," said Motorsport UK chair, David Richards.
"We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded.
Nikita Mazepin drives the Haas VF-22 during day three of F1 pre-season testing. Getty
"This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU)."
Richards added that he hoped other countries would follow the lead of Motorsport UK.
"It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt," he said.
"We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war."
Haas driver Nikita Mazepin. Getty
Motorsport UK's stance places it at odds with the sport's governing body, the FIA, who had decided a day earlier to allow Russian drivers to compete in a neutral capacity.
"Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials to participate in international/zone competitions only in their neutral capacity and under the 'FIA flag', subject to specific commitment and adherence to the FIA's principles of peace and political neutrality, until further notice," the FIA said.
Incredible escapes: The worst crashes in motorsport history
