Formula 1 is drawing a line through the Russian Grand Prix, which is scheduled for the weekend of September 23-25 this year. According to Formula 1, the event “cannot go ahead under the current circumstances”, with the racing class referring to the war currently raging between Russia and Ukraine. However, it seems that the organization still has the door ajar for the race.
On Twitter, Formula 1 said in a statement that it was “sad and shocked” about the current developments in Ukraine. The organization expresses the hope that a peaceful solution will be found soon. Last night, Formula 1, the FIA and the teams met to discuss the sport’s position in the conflict. The conclusion of that meeting was that “given the current circumstances it is impossible to organize the Grand Prix of Russia”. So it looks like the event at the Sochi Autodrom is drawing to a close, though the statement still leaves room for Russia’s return to the F1 calendar if ‘current conditions’ improve.
It is not yet clear at this point which circuit may replace the race in Sochi. The Intercity Istanbul Park in Turkey, which has been on the calendar for the past two seasons because the Grands Prix of Canada (2020) and Japan (2021) were canceled due to the pandemic, seems to be a potential candidate.
Criticism of Russia
Within Formula 1, it is raining criticism of Russia’s current aggression towards Ukraine. Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel, among others, has already indicated that he does not want to race in Russia this year and Max Verstappen also spoke out against Russia’s actions. In addition, Haas seems to be breaking the contract with its Russian main sponsor Uralkali. The team took the colors of the Russian flag and the name of the sponsor of its Formula 1 car and of all trucks. Team boss Günther Steiner explained that the team is currently investigating the legal aspects and has not yet made a final decision on whether or not to break the sponsorship deal.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl