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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Andrew Gamble

Bernie Ecclestone backs FIA decision not to ban Russian drivers after defending Vladimir Putin

Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has placed his support behind Formula 1’s decision not to ban Russian drivers.

On Tuesday, the FIA announced that Russian drivers will still be allowed to race in professional motorsport under a neutral flag. The news means Nikita Mazepin could be on the grid for the first race of the 2022 season in Bahrain, although Haas are reportedly set to replace him with reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi.

The FIA’s decision appears to be an anomaly among the international sports community, which has isolated Russia over the actions of its government.

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