Did F1 block Russian female from entering F1 Academy?

Feb.29 (GMM) A well-known Russian motorsport boss has slammed Formula 1 for shunning yet another young talent.

At the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in early 2022, Nikita Mazepin and his sponsor Uralkali were kicked out of the sport by Haas – with the FIA also imposing tough conditions for any Russian drivers amid ongoing anti-Russian global sanctions.

And now, Peter Aleshin, former boss of the Russian driver development program SMP Racing, alleges that F1 excluded young female driver Victoria Blokhina, 17, from consideration for the all-female F1 Academy series for 2024.

“Vika was not accepted into the F1 Academy,” he told the Russian portal Championat. “It was pure politics. Nothing worked, no matter how hard I tried.

“Just a polite refusal – that’s all. Although in terms of her level, she is absolutely good enough for this series. We could have ended up there last year, but this year they changed some political concepts,” Aleshin charged.

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

Hulkenberg still a 'silly season' player – Schumacher

Jun.10 (GMM)  Nico Hulkenberg could find himself with a starring role in a future round…

3 months ago

F2 driver says new fans don't understand racing

Jun.9 (GMM) Many new fans of top-level single seater racing do not understand "how motorsport…

3 months ago

Newey attracting talent to Aston Martin – de la Rosa

Jun.9 (GMM) The 'Adrian Newey effect' is already happening at Aston Martin, according to team…

3 months ago

Stroll in 'good condition' for Canadian GP

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll looks set to return to the wheel of his Aston Martin…

3 months ago

Hamilton will 'maybe not' win eighth title

Jun.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton's hopes of an eighth world championship are slipping away. That's the…

3 months ago

Three F1 stars predict Piastri title in '25

Jun.9 (GMM) Three former Formula 1 drivers agree that Oscar Piastri has become the clear…

3 months ago