A Russian karting driver has lost his racing license over an alleged Nazi salute while standing on the podium at a European Championship event.
Artem Severiukhin, 15, was accused of doing the salute after winning a round of the FIA Karting European Championship at Portimao in Portugal.
As he stood on the podium during the post-race ceremony, Severiukhin beat his chest with his fist and then appeared to perform the salute while laughing at a spectator in the crowd.
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Severiukhin was competing under the Italian flag at the weekend due to the Russian flag and anthem being banned by motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The FIA announced they would be investigating the incident, while the Italian Automobile Club (ACI) also called for a meeting to discuss the behaviour.
The ACI subsequently announced the decision to revoke Severiukhin’s license.
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In a statement, the Italian body said they would be withdrawing Severiukhin’s sports license immediately, while also referring him to the Sports Justice to determine whether further sanctions would take place
The statement read: "Severiukhin has shown a lack of respect not only for the universal values that have always inspired every sport but also for humanity, dignity and civil coexistence."
Severiukhin had already been fired by his Swedish team, Ward Racing, who made the announcement on their Instagram.
They 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.”
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It added: “Ward Racing accordingly condemns the personal actions of pilot Artem Severyukhin during the award ceremony on April 10, 2022 in the strongest possible terms, it considers them a manifestation of unsportsmanlike behaviour, an unacceptable violation of the ethical and moral sports codex.”
The team apologised for the actions of Severyukhin and announced the termination of his contract.
The Russian driver has since apologised for the distress he caused, but expressed that his actions had been misunderstood, taking to Instagram to post a video message.
He said: “I want to apologise to everyone for what happened yesterday.
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“Standing on the podium I made a gesture that many perceived as a Nazi salute. This is not true.
"I have never supported Nazism and consider it one of the worst crimes against humanity.
“I know that I am a fool and I’m ready to be punished but please believe that there was no intention in my actions, there was no support for Nazism or Fascism.
"There was no desire to offend spectators, fans, athletes or the team.”
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@IAPonomarenko