Russian drivers and teams could soon see a shift in their ability to compete in FIA-sanctioned motorsport, as negotiations between the governing body and Russian representatives are set to take place in February.
Following the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis in 2022, the FIA imposed strict restrictions on Russian drivers and teams across all its competitions.
Haas notably dropped Nikita Mazepin and his sponsor Uralkali at that time, while the FIA ruled that Russian drivers must either renounce their ties to Russia—such as Robert Shwartzman, who switched to an Israeli license—or sign a document condemning Vladimir Putin's regime while racing under a neutral flag.
However, three-time Dakar Rally winner Anton Shibalov, who refused to sign the FIA's declaration, now suggests a change in the governing body's stance may be underway.
"As participants, including the guys from Kamaz, we are ready to go back even tomorrow," Shibalov told Tass news agency.
"I hope that in the coming years this will all stabilise and we will be able to take part again.
"But I cannot say when exactly this will happen. It depends on the FIA.
What I can say for sure is that in the near future, in February, negotiations on this topic are planned," he added.
"It needs to be resolved now – the Dakar has ended, and the Formula 1 season is yet to start. Soon, the FIA president will be much less accessible."
The Kamaz-Master team, which dominated the Dakar Rally for years, has been absent from the event since the sanctions took effect. Shibalov believes that their return would be welcomed, even by direct competitors.
"This talk has been going on for years. I think they will only be glad to see us," he said. "As you may have noticed, there is no closeness or intrigue in the races now. There was a gap of 2.5 hours between first and second place," he added, referring to the 2025 Dakar.
