Formula 1: Nikita Mazepin and Uralkali (RUS) create a foundation to support Russian athletes

Russian racing driver Nikita Mazepin and Uralkali, a Russian potash fertiliser production and export group owned by Dmitry Mazepin, have launched a foundation to help athletes prevented from competing for "political reasons out of their control," announced the son of the Russian oligarch on 09/03/2022.

The foundation, named "We Compete As One", a reference to F1's slogan "We Race As One" which promotes diversity, "will be devoted to helping athletes who, lose their ability to compete at the highest level," said Nikita Mazepin in a video posted on Instagram. The foundation will help athletes "from all conflict zones and will begin with the Paralympic team in Russia, which was banned from the Games in Beijing," added the driver.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine led by Vladimir Putin, Russian athletes and teams have been banned from sporting events by international bodies (FIBA, UCI, FIS, ITF, EHF, etc.), following an IOC directive on 25/02/2022. However, the FIA has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to participate in motor sport events under a neutral flag.

The…