Russian Go-Kart Driver In Trouble After Making Alleged Nazi Salute On Podium

A teenage Russian go-kart champion is under fire for celebrating a win with what appeared to be a Nazi salute.

Artem Severiukhin, 15, pounded his chest and extended his right arm as he stood on the podium following his victory Sunday in the first round of the FIA Karting European Championship in Portimao, Portugal. The Russian driver was competing with an Italian license because the Fdration Internationale de lAutomobile, which governs Formula One and other bodies, has banned Russian competitors since that countrys invasion of Ukraine, The Washington Post reported. Severiukhin made the seemingly offensive gesture while the Italian anthem was playing and appeared to laugh about it afterward.

#Russian driver Artyom Severyukhin, competing under the Italian flag at the #European Junior Karting Championship, showed a #Nazi salute at the awards ceremony.

He competing under the #Italian flag because of the sanctions imposed on #Russia. pic.twitter.com/q4wOGHPsvR

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#Russian driver Artyom Severyukhin, competing under the Italian flag at the #European Junior Karting Championship, showed a #Nazi salute at the awards ceremony.

He competing under the #Italian flag because of the sanctions imposed on #Russia . pic.twitter.com/q4wOGHPsvR
NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 11, 2022

FIA issued a statement Monday on Twitter that it has launched an immediate investigation into the unacceptable conduct of Severiukhin. It promised that further steps will be taken in this case.

FIA Statement pic.twitter.com/rLIvW21PaK

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FIA Statement pic.twitter.com/rLIvW21PaK
FIA (@fia) April 11, 2022

Severiukhins team, Ward Racing, also said in a statement Monday on Instagram that it would no longer have any relationship with the teenager and that it plans to proceed with terminating his racing contract.

View this post on Instagram