Former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat has argued against the notion of Russian competitors being banned from sporting events following the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Since Vladimir Putin ordered troops into the neighbouring country on Thursday, a number of sporting governing bodies have imposed sanctions on Russia.
FIFA and UEFA have issued a blanket ban on the national side, and club teams, playing competitive football matches, while the 2022 Champions League final has been switched from Saint Petersburg to Paris.
The WBO have also confirmed they are considering removing all Russian boxers from their current rankings, while the International Judo Federation (IJF) has suspended Putin's status as honorary President.
F1 bosses have also axed the Sochi Grand Prix from their schedule for the upcoming season.
Furthermore, on Tuesday, the FIA will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the future of Nikita Mazepin, after Automobile Federation of Ukraine President Leonid Kostyuchenko called for a ban on drivers with licenses issued by Russia and Belarus’s federations from racing outside their home countries.
But Kvyat, who raced in F1 for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, AlphaTauri, and Alpine before signing up to the FIA World Endurance Championship for 2022, has said barring him - and compatriots - from competing is an "unfair solution."
He wrote on Instagram "I would like to highlight and address all sports federations across the world including IOC that sport should remain outside politics.
"Disallowing Russian athletes and teams from participating in world competitions is an unfair solution and goes against what sport teaches us in its principle - the unity and peace. Who else if not us sports people will help to glue nations together in the upcoming times?"
Despite his protests Kvyat, 27, expressed his sorrow at the harrowing situation, with news emerging on Tuesday that a 40-mile long convoy of Russian troops was heading towards the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
"I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine, and that we can all live in peace," he added.
"Hopefully all parties can find a solution by sitting together and through a respectful dialogue.
"It horrifies me to see two brotherhood nations in a conflict. I don't want military actions and wars to influence the future of humanity, I want my daughter and all children to enjoy this beautiful world."
