When the Russian go-kart driver Artyom Severjuchin was to be awarded the gold during the junior European Championships in Portugal on Sunday, he slapped himself on the chest and made the Nazi salute.
Then Severjuchin burst out laughing.
The video of the 15-year-old has gone viral and has been featured in international media.
Now has Severjutsjin got fired by his Swedish team, Ward Racing.
– We will break off the collaboration with this person immediately, and we will not be surprised if the FIA bans him for life, says founder Joakim Ward to Expressen.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) informs Monday afternoon that they have opened an investigation into what they refer to as unacceptable behavior.
– I know it’s my fault. I know I’m stupid and I’m ready to take my punishment, but please believe me when I say I do not support Nazism or fascism by making that gesture, Severjuchin said in a statement from the Russian Motorsport Federation. reproduced by The Guardian.
The teenager apologizes for the gesture.
“I have never supported Nazism, which I believe is one of the worst crimes against humanity,” said Severjuchin.
Russia’s Severjuchin is temporarily driving with an Italian license, as Russia has been banned as a result of the country’s attack on Ukraine. Severjuchin actually drives for a Russian team that Ward Racing cooperates with, writes Expressen. That is why the Swedish team has known Severjuchin for the last five years.
– That we are now associated with this terrible gesture… it makes us despair. We try to do everything we can to help those on the other side. That they should have a roof over their heads and food on the table. Instead, it will be like a fucking setback, says Ward.
According to Ward, the Russian drivers who have been granted Italian licenses have signed not to make nationalist statements and gestures.
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