2022 F1 Russian GP at risk as Russia is hit with sanctions over Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine casts doubt over September’s race in Sochi.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine casts doubt over September’s race in Sochi as Formula 1 will most likely face a lot of pressure to cancel this the event this season. The USA, European Union and United Kingdom have brought sanctions against the country as a result of the deployment of its army into eastern Ukraine.

Russia is currently on the brink of war with Ukraine, with ‘peacekeeping’ forces having entered the Donetsk and Luhansk regions which Vladimir Putin has officially recognised as independent.

A full invasion of Ukraine is highly likely, with more than 100,000 Russian troops stationed along the border along with heavy artillery and other supplies.

The event, which should take place on 25th September, falls three months after the UEFA Champions League final in June, which was the subject of parliamentary discussion after Britain announced its sanctions yesterday.

Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection from Puma!

British prime minister Boris Johnson explained that it is “inconceivable that major international football tournaments can take place in Russia after… the invasion of a sovereign country.” The secretary of state for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, added she had “serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia.”

The Russian Grand Prix joined the Formula 1 calendar eight years ago, not long after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, that also led to sanctions against the country. American president Joe Biden recently confirmed he would “impose sanctions in response far beyond the steps our allies and partners implemented in 2014.”

The 2022 Russian Grand Prix is the last event that takes place at the Sochi Autodrom. Starting with next year, the event moves to the Igora Drive circuit outside St Petersburg.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, whose team is sponsored by Russian fertilizer producer Uralkali, confirmed this month he was prepared to “deal with” the consequences of any sanctions which could affect them.