The FIA has begun an investigation into the actions of Russian karter Artem Severiukhin who appeared to perform a Nazi salute during yesterday’s FIA Karting European Championship event in Portimao.
Severiukhin won the opening round of the FIA Karting European Championship OK category on Sunday. Russian competitors are restricted from taking part in FIA events and Severiukhin was racing under the Italian flag.
During the performance of the Italian national anthem on the podium, Severiukhin struck his chest twice with his right hand, then extended his arm in front of him.
Following the anthem performance, Severiukhin was handed his trophy by FIA karting president Akbar Ebrahim.
After footage of Severiukhin’s actions began to circulate on social media, the FIA issued a statement.
“The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile confirms that is has launched an immediate investigation into the [unacceptable] conduct of Mr Artem Severiukhin that occured during the podium ceremony for…