Russian go-kart driver sacked over 'disgusting' act on podium
A 15-year-old go-kart driver from Russia has been sacked by his team after appearing to make a nazi gesture on the podium after winning a race.
Artem Severiukhin has been sacked by Ward Racing after the incident which occurred in the CIK-FIA European Karting Championship in Portugal on Sunday.
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Severiukhin could be seen pounding his chest before stretching out his arm in what appeared to be a nazi-style salute.
The 15-year-old then burst out laughing.
Severiukhin was competing under the Italian flag due to Russia's ban from most sporting events around the world.
The Italian anthem was playing when he made the controversial gesture.
In a statement through the Russian automobile federation, the teenager said: "I would like to address everyone about Sunday's situation on the podium.
"I won the round of the European Championship and was very happy.
"I'm from Russia. I thanked the team and my relatives from Russia.
"Someone saw a bad gesture in my actions, but it's not. I just thanked them.
"I am Russian, I am from Russia and I stand by my country."
In a video posted to Instagram he also said: "I want to apologise to everyone for what happened yesterday during the European Karting Championships.
"Standing on the podium I made a gesture which many perceived as a Nazi salute. This is not true. I have never support Nazism and consider it one of the worst crimes against humanity."
The FIA has since announced an investigation into the incident.
"The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile confirms that it has launched an immediate investigation into the unacceptable conduct of Mr Artem Severiukhin that occurred during the podium ceremony for the OK category at Round One of the 2022 FIA Karting European Championship at the Kartodromo International do Algarve in Portugal," the governing body said.
"The FIA will communicate shortly on the further steps that will be taken in this case."
FIA Statement pic.twitter.com/rLIvW21PaK
— FIA (@fia) April 11, 2022
Artem Severiukhin sacked by Ward Racing
Ward Racing terminated the teenager's contract, saying his actions are considered a "manifestation of unsportsmanlike behaviour, an unacceptable violation of the ethical and moral sports codex".
"Ward Racing is deeply in shame of the pilot's behaviour which it condemns in the strongest possible terms," the Swedish team said.
"The actions of Artem Severyukhin during the award ceremony on April 10, 2022 were exclusively individual and do not represent the views and values of Ward Racing in any manner.
"On the contrary, Ward Racing stands with the international community condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and expresses its solidarity with the people suffering because of this unprovoked and horrific attack.
"Since the start of the ongoing war, our firm stance has been demonstrated with 'No War' helmets and stickers.
"In addition, we currently have three Ukrainian families traveling with us because they have no home to return to.
"Ward Racing accordingly condemns the personal actions of pilot Artem Severyukhin during the award ceremony on April 10, 2022 in the strongest possible terms, as it considers them a manifestation of unsportsmanlike behaviour, an unacceptable violation of the ethical and moral sports codex.
"With this statement, Ward Racing expresses its opinion, as well as the opinion of all athletes and staff of the Ward Racing team.
"On the basis of these considerations, Ward Racing sees no possibility for continued cooperation with Artem Severyukhin and will proceed with terminating his racing contract.
"Finally, Ward Racing would like to apologize to those who were hurt or distressed by the occurrence.
"It has long been and will remain a priority for Ward Racing to work for a more diverse, inclusive, and respectful racing climate."
The European Karting Championship is a launching pad for future stars of motorsport, with current Formula One drivers Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris all winning titles in the series as juniors.
In this day and age, people are quick to want to cancel something/someone. Obviously this is disgusting, but education is better than cancellation.
— Tom Dringer 🇬🇧🇯🇵🏁 (@tomdringer) April 11, 2022
Good. Let's hope necessary actions are taken.
— Chris McCarthy (@ChrisMcCarthy32) April 11, 2022
Exactly! Have you seen this nazi salute that Artem Severiukhin made? What a shame! He must be disqualified! pic.twitter.com/RHrI6Wsn3R
— ♉️ (@onedayofmay_) April 10, 2022
I should damn we’ll hope so aswell!! Absolutely disgusting act, especially considering the current situation in Ukraine! This kid should never race again 🤬 #FIAKarting @fiakarting @fia @olex_scherba #Disgusting #StandWithUkraine #SlavaUkraini 🇺🇦 https://t.co/tDSsTje65h
— Katie Hooper (@Hoops2Katie) April 11, 2022
@fiakarting You need to act NOW. There is no place for that utterly disgusting behavior. Sanctions need to be taken against Artem Severiukhin. Anything less than a permanent ban to race in any @fia sanctioned championship for the foreseeable future would be a disgrace.
— Nigel Is My Name (@MyNameIsNigel) April 11, 2022
Just heard about Artem Severiukhin doing the n*zi salute on the top of a podium then laughing.
I’ve seen people making excuses for him and it’s really disgusting how y’all are trying to defend him.
We are the same age and never in my life have I thought of doing the salute.— rethabile mahlatsi🇿🇦 (@byrethabile) April 11, 2022
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