A 15-year-old Russian karting driver's contract will be terminated by his team after he appeared to make a Nazi salute as he stood on the podium on Sunday.
Artem Severiukhin won his race in the first round of the FIA Karting European Championship at the Kartodromo Internacional do Algarve.
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The teenager, representing Italy rather than his country of birth due to sanctions imposed on Russian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine, made the gesture and laughed as he was on the podium in Portimao.
An investigation has been launched by the FIA following what the governing body described as "unacceptable conduct."
Ward Racing, Severiukhin's team, on Monday stated that the youngster will no longer drive for them.
The Privately owned Swedish team said they were "deeply in shame" over Severiukhin's actions, which they condemned in the "strongest possible terms."
Ward Racing also condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stated that Severiukhin's action did not represent the views and values of the team.
FIA Statement pic.twitter.com/rLIvW21PaK
— FIA (@fia) April 11, 2022
