The Russian junior kart driver Artjom Severyuchin is without a job after his victory in Portimão, Portugal.
The 15-year-old Severukhin, who started under the Italian flag due to the sanctions in sport against Russia, had shown the so-called Roman salute on the podium during the Italian anthem.
This fascist gesture is also known in Germany as a Hitler salute.
Now the Italian racing team Ward Racing has parted ways with its junior driver.
Rennstall describes behavior as “unacceptable”
Ward Racing condemned "Artyom Severukhin's personal actions during the award ceremony," the team wrote on social media, speaking of a "manifestation of unsportsmanlike conduct" and an "unacceptable violation of the ethical and moral code of sport."
The team took a clear stance against Russia's war against Ukraine, the statement said.
In addition, three Ukrainian families traveled with the team “because they no longer have a home to return to”.
The world association Fia had previously announced that it would initiate an investigation into the "unacceptable behavior" of the minor.
Videos on the Internet show how Severyuchin raises his right arm on the podium at the award ceremony of the European Championship race in the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on Sunday, stretches out his hand and laughs.
In a video on Instagram on Monday evening, Severyuchin apologized for his behavior while still sobbing and claimed that his gesture was not meant as a Hitler salute, but that he had only returned the gestures of some young people in the audience.
see/dpa