The Russian Grand Prix will not take place this year given the current circumstances and therefore a replacement is needed in order to complete the 2022 Formula 1 calendar. The search is now on for the Formula 1 bosses to find the most suitable replacement for the vacant spot on the calendar.
According to RTL, Portimao are in talks with Formula One to replace the Russian Grand Prix this year. Portimao, in Portugal, was also called to host Formula 1 events in 2020 and 2021 as emergency calendar replacements due to COVID-19 restrictions in many countries. Portimão would love to welcome the drivers back to Portugal
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the sport has taken a stand. The FIA have confirmed that today, Tuesday 1st March 2022, “an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council will be convened… to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine”. This could have serious implications for Russian drivers, such as Nikita Mazepin and Daniil Kyvat, who may lose their place on the grid of any series.
Initially, it was rumoured that Formula 1 reached an a deal with Istanbul as a venue to replace the Sochi event after there had briefly been a tickets page on the Formula 1 website. Intercity Istanbul Park also used in 2020 and 2021 as COVID-19 cover, but it seems an “administrative error” caused the presence of the Turkish Grand Prix on the official Formula 1 website.
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The Russian Grand Prix was scheduled to take place over the weekend of 23-25 September and should have formed the first leg of a triple-header with Singapore and Japan.
Now Malaysia and China are also being considered as possible replacements, especially for logistical reasons as a result of the geographical convenience. Malaysia has not held a Formula 1 race since 2017, and COVID-19 has prevented the Chinese Grand Prix from going ahead for the past 3 seasons. However, the race is expected to return in the future, having recently signed a contract with F1 till 2025.
It is understood that Germany is being suggested as another alternative, but the usual financial problems will most likely make it impossible for Nürburgring and Hockenheim to get back on the calendar.
The 2022 Russian Grand Prix was due to be the last held in Sochi before the race moved to Igora Drive for 2023. But it now remains to be seen whether Formula One will return to the country in subsequent seasons.
