"'Nazi-style salute' on the podium causes uproar... Russian kart racer faces expulsion risk"

Italy Team Participation
Apology on SNS Following Controversy... Expelled from Team

Artem Severiukin on the podium. / Photo by F1 Feeder Series Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A Russian teenage kart racer is facing expulsion from his team after performing a Nazi salute on the podium at an international car racing competition.

According to the British daily The Telegraph on the 11th, 15-year-old Artem Severiukin performed a Nazi salute after winning first place at the Kart European Championship qualifiers hosted by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Portugal.

After securing first place in the qualifiers and stepping onto the podium, Severiukin smiled and twice tapped his chest with a clenched right fist before extending his arm upward in a Nazi salute, followed by a broad smile.

Previously, when he was unable to compete internationally under the Russian nationality due to the invasion of Ukraine, he participated under the Italian flag. The Italian national anthem was also played during the award ceremony.

After his actions became controversial, Severiukin immediately posted an apology video on the Russian Automobile Federation's Telegram channel.

He stated, "It is true that I performed an action that many see as a Nazi salute, but I consider Nazism one of the most horrific crimes against humanity and do not support it. I made a mistake, was foolish, and am prepared to face punishment. However, I ask that you understand that my actions did not support Nazism or fascism."

However, after photos of the award ceremony were published, his team, 'Ward Racing,' expressed that they felt "severe shame as it goes against the values we pursue" and announced they would proceed with terminating his contract. The FIA also stated that Severiukin's behavior is unacceptable and has launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, the salute performed by Severiukin is known as the 'Hitlergruß,' where the palm faces downward and the arm is extended slightly above horizontal. It is known as a pledge of loyalty to Hitler, and Nazi salutes are currently banned by law in Germany.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.