Formula One will not race in Russia in 2022 after the sport confirmed its decision to cancel its Grand Prix in Sochi.
The invasion of Ukraine led to several voices inside and outside the paddock demanding F1 take action, by cancelling the planned race on September 25.
On Friday, F1 released a statement confirming the race cancellation - describing it as “impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances”.
The state-owned track in Sochi was due to host its ninth GP later this year, with Vladimir Putin a regularly attendee at the event.
A statement read: “The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together.
“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.
“On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”
Pressure has been ramped up on F1 to terminate the race. During pre-season testing at Barcelona this week, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen were two drivers to speak out against heading to Sochi.
Team Haas pulled Russian driver Nikita Mazepin from Friday’s planned press conference and ran on the third day of testing without its usual red, blue and white car livery, while it reviews its sponsorship deal with Russian company Uralkali.
Vettel told reporters on Thursday: “In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning's news, shocked, so I don't know.
“Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go. I will not go. I think it's wrong to race in the country.
“I'm sorry for the people, innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership.
“I'm sure it's something that we will talk about, but personally I'm just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made.”
More to follow...
