Mazepin not allowed to compete in Formula 1 under the Russian flag in 2021

Nikita Mazepin will not race under the Russian flag in Formula 1 in 2021. So should the Russian driver from Haas win a race, the national anthem will not be heard for the 'Rookie' either.

Russia was suspended by the authorities for two years for tampering with data from the very lab that is supposed to be controlling doping in Russia. The country received a two-year suspension, as a result of which athletes are no longer allowed to compete under Russian flag at the Olympic Games, but we also do not see a Russian flag at other major events.

This also applies to Formula 1, which is considered a world championship. Mazepin can participate in the championship, but will race under a neutral flag. This also means that the Russian national anthem will not be heard if he wins a race. The chance of this happening is very small. The anthem will not be heard prior to the Russian Grand Prix either, according to Motorsport-total.com.

Mazepin is not the only athlete affected by this suspension. Athletes going to the Olympic Games will not hear their national anthems either. The suspension will last until December 2022. Robert Shwartzman is allowed to compete in Formula 2 under the Russian flag, because it is not a world championship.