FORMER F1 driver Daniil Kvyat has pleaded with the FIA not to ban Russian drivers from racing.
The former Red Bull driver is due to race in the World Endurance Championship this season.
Former F1 star Daniil Kyvat has urged the FIA not to ban Russian drivers
But he risks being hit by the blanket ban under pressure from the International Olympic Committee to prevent all Russian athletes from competing.
Kvyat wrote on social media calling for a peaceful end to the conflict in Ukraine but stopped well short of condemning the actions of his country’s leader, warmonger Vladimir Putin.
Referring to the war as the “situation in Ukraine”, Kvyat also said it was “unfair” that Russian athletes were being targeted.
He wrote: “I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine, and that we can all live in peace.
“Hopefully all parties can find a solution by sitting together and through a respected dialogue. It horrifies me to see two brotherhood nations in a conflict.
“I don’t want military actions and wars to influence the future of humanity. I want my daughter and all children to enjoy this beautiful world.
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“I would also like to highlight and address all sports federations across the world, including IOC, that sport should remain outside politics.
“And disallowing Russian athletes and teams from participating in world competitions is an unfair solution and goes against what sport teaches us in principle: the unity and peace.
“Who else if not us sports people will help to glue nations together in the upcoming times.”
It is difficult to stop Putin’s association with sport.
He has been a long-term supporter of the Russian GP and has stood on the podium on a number of occasions and issued the trophies.
