Russian drivers might soon compete in FIA-sanctioned championships, including Formula 1, without facing current limitations.
In late 2024, accomplished Dakar Rally participant Sergey Karyakin—who has declined to sign the well-known FIA declaration distancing himself from Russia—expressed optimism about forthcoming changes.
"I managed to talk to the sheikh, who is the president of the FIA," he told TASS news agency, referring to Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
"He promised that next year he will correct the situation with the admission of Russian racers to competitions."
Karyakin recently informed the Russian-language outlet Sport-Express that the FIA president met with Vyacheslav Yuryevich Yarin, a Russian minister of foreign economic relations, within the past few days.
"Yesterday was a very important meeting - for me personally and for all of motorsport," said Karyakin.
"The FIA president assured that he would soon issue an order allowing Russian racers to participate in competitions without signing documents condemning the actions of our government," he revealed.
"This could be a significant step forward if it does not encounter serious resistance within the FIA system," he added.
Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis three years ago, Russian participants have been bound by FIA-imposed conditions and restrictions, and many racers like Karyakin have chosen to simply sit on the sidelines.
