The youngster, who races under an Italian licence because of the ban on his nation’s athletes competing, had triumphed in the final of the opening round of the FIA Karting European Championship at Portimao in Portugal.
However, during the podium ceremony, when the Italian national anthem was playing, Severiukhin tapped his heart and appeared to give a Nazi salute as he laughed at onlookers.
Video of the incident has been circulating on social media and, amid the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has prompted widespread criticism.
On Monday afternoon, the FIA said it would get involved as it announced that a formal investigation had been launched.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the FIA said: “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 1 of the 2022 FIA Karting European Championship at the…
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