VIDEO: Artem Severiukhin Apologizes after he throws Nazi salute at 2022 FIA Karting European Championship
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Image: YouTube/Sports Analyst
On Sunday, at the FIA Karting European Championship in Portimao, Portugal, a big controversy developed when a Russian karting driver was fired by his team for making a gesture on the podium. Following the victory, the motion on the podium appeared to be a Nazi salute. Artem Severiukhin of Ward Racing, a 15-year-old driver, is at the centre of the dispute.
Due to the FIA’s prohibition on Russian competitors following the Russia-Ukraine war, Severiukhin was racing under an Italian licence. The victory was the young driver’s first in the OK category, which is for drivers aged 11 to 15, in the opening race of the season.
Artem Severiukhin was fired from kart racing after making a Nazi salute
Artem Severiukhin pounded his chest and raised his right arm in the gesture before smiling, according to a report published by Skysports, as he celebrated his victory in round one of the FIA Karting European Championship at Portimao. Ward Racing, a Swedish team, is already planning to terminate his contract as a result of the event.
Ward Racing issued the following statement: “It is deeply ashamed of the pilot’s actions, which it condemns in the strongest terms conceivable. Artem Severiukhin’s actions during the award event on April 10, 2022, were entirely personal and do not reflect Ward Racing’s opinions or ideas in any way.”
The statement went on to say, “Ward Racing, on the other hand, joins the international community in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressing solidarity with the people who are suffering as a result of this unjustified and horrible attack. Based on these factors, Ward Racing believes there is no way to continue working with Artem Severiukhin and has decided to terminate his racing contract.”
FIA Statement pic.twitter.com/rLIvW21PaK
— FIA (@fia) April 11, 2022
Artem Severiukhin releases a statement in response to his Nazi salute
Artem Severiukhin has deactivated his social media accounts and apologized for his behavior. “, he explained “I’d want to apologise to everyone for what happened at the European Karting Championships yesterday. As I stood on the podium, I made a gesture that many mistook for a Nazi salute. This isn’t correct. I have never supported Nazism and consider it to be one of humanity’s worst atrocities.” He went on to say that he was aware of his situation “”I am ready to be punished,” he said, referring to himself as “a fool.” However, please understand that my acts were not intended to endorse Nazism or to harm bystanders.”
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
