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

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen To Snub ‘Nonsense’ Red Bull Videos

Max Verstappen is dialling back his involvement with Red Bull's ...
F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025

Charles Leclerc Fastest On Day 1 Down Under

It’s been just under a year since the 2024 Australian ...
Los Angeles Premiere Of Sony Pictures' 'bullet Train'

Lights, Camera, Apex: Brad Pitt’s F1 Masterclass Earns Lewis Hamilton’s Seal of Approval

In a thrilling fusion of Hollywood glamour and high-octane racing, ...
Formula 1 Testing In Bahrain Day 3

Tsunoda Would Have Struggled With Verstappen ‘Pressure’

Yuki Tsunoda could struggle to remain in Formula 1 after ...
F1 75 Live Press Conference

Adrian Newey Hasn’t Worked On 2025 Aston Martin At All – Cowell

Adrian Newey is yet to work his fabled magic on ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle