F1 Teams Slam Door In New Russian Hopeful’s Face

Three National Flags Of Russia Waving In The Wind On A Clear Day
Three national flags of Russia waving in the wind on a clear day. White, blue and red horizontal stripes. Russian Federation flag. 3D illustration render. Fluttering textile.
Three National Flags Of Russia Waving In The Wind On A Clear Day
Three national flags of Russia waving in the wind on a clear day. White, blue and red horizontal stripes. Russian Federation flag. 3D illustration render. Fluttering textile.

Formula 1 has slammed the door in the face of another Russian driver.

At the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Haas ousted Nikita Mazepin and his sponsor Uralkali – as F1 axed the Russian GP and imposed restrictions on other FIA-sanctioned Russian drivers.

And now, new world karting champion Kirill Kutskov, who has been racing under the flag of Kyrgyzstan, has discovered that Formula 1 teams are not interested in even talking to him.

“At the FIA gala ceremony we spoke with Christian Horner,” said 15-year-old Kirill’s father, Ilya.

“When I started to introduce my son, he replied ‘Yes, I know Kirill, we follow all the races’. He said ‘As soon as you have another passport, call us and we’ll bring you to Red Bull.

“Maybe he was joking, maybe not – who knows?”

The karting team Kutskov won the 2023 world championship with – KPK – was partly funded by Fernando Alonso and his karting chassis organisation.

“He co-financed the team,” father Ilya Kutskov continued, “and because of that they were able to hire Kirill for a season and win the world championship. A successful investment,” he told the Russian portal Championat.

“But they then told us ‘Guys, the situation now is that we can’t take you under our wing anymore. Please forgive us. He’s a driver who deserves it, but it’s all about the passport and the politics’.

“McLaren said the same thing, but Williams didn’t even bother talking to us,” he revealed.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

F1 The Movie 1920x1080

Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Delivers Apple’s First Box Office Hit

“F1” opens to $55.6M in North America, $144M globally — ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Austria

McLaren Dominate With 1-2 Finish In Austria

After a gap of 25 years, McLaren has finished first ...
ImolaGP GP F1 2025 on May 16 2025 at Imola, Emilia Romagna - Formula 1 Valtteri Bottas driver for Sauber — Photo by PitShots.com

Valtteri Bottas Says July Is His 2026 Comeback ‘Deadline’

July will be a critical month for Valtteri Bottas, the ...
Formula 1 2022: Austrian Gp

Formula 1 To Continue Racing In Austria On Long-Term Deal

The iconic Austrian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Austria Qualifying

A Super Spielberg Saturday For Lando Norris

Lando Norris secured pole position, the twelfth of his career, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle