Russian karting driver, 15, sacked and under FIA investigation after appearing to make Nazi salute on podium

A Russian karting driver has been sacked by his team after making what appeared to be a Nazi salute on the podium after winning a race on Sunday.

Artem Severiukhin, 15, pounded his chest and raised his right arm in the gesture before laughing as he celebrated his victory in round one of the FIA Karting European Championship at Portimao, Portugal.

Ward Racing, his Swedish team, have already said they plan to terminate his contract in light of the incident.

The team said it was “deeply in shame of the pilot’s behaviour which it condemns in the strongest possible terms”.

A post shared by Artem Severiukhin (@artem.severiukhin)

“The actions of Artem Severiukhin 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,” it said in a statement.

“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.”

It added: “On the basis of these considerations, Ward Racing sees no possibility for continued cooperation with Artem Severiukhin and will proceed with terminating his racing contract.”

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However, Severiukhin denied giving the Nazi salute and instead said he was celebrating with friends and family who were standing opposite the podium.

Posting a video on Instagram, he 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.”

A post shared by Ward Racing (@wardracingofficial)

He added that he knew he was “a fool”, adding: “I am ready to be punished. But please believe there was no intention in my actions to support Nazism, there was no desire to offend spectators.”

Severiukhin was competing in the championship with an Italian license due to the FIA’s ban on Russian competitors following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Italian anthem was played while he made the gesture.

The motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, has said it is investigating the “unacceptable conduct” and “further steps will be taken”.

The Russian Automobile Federation, members of the FIA, said they are clarifying the circumstances of the incident, but said they consider even an “accidental manifestation of fascism and Nazism” to be unacceptable.

Severiukhin had just won his first race of the season in the OK category, which is for drivers between the ages of 11 and 15.

The FIA Karting European Championship is a reputable series, with current Formula 1 stars Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris all having won titles during their junior careers.

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