Formula 1 revealed yesterday that it would closely monitor developments which took place between Russia and Ukraine after the deeply tragic events marked by the outbreak of war. Today, the sport held a crisis meeting with Formula 1 Team Principals.
On Friday, Formula 1 released an official statement confirming that it would not be going to Russia for the Grand Prix this season due to the “current circumstances”.
“The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together,” the statement reads – “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.” – the statement concluded.
On Thursday, former Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel admitted that he would boycott the Russian Grand Prix if Formula 1 would eventually hold the event there, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen also said it would be wrong to for the sport to go to a country that is at war.
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“I think it’s horrible to see what is happening. 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 that country. I’m sorry for the people, innocent people who are losing their lives, getting killed for stupid reasons under a very strange and mad leadership.” – Sebastian Vettel said.
This year’s Russian Grand Prix was supposed to be the last F1 race to take place at the Sochi Autodrom. From the next season, the sports plans to move to St Petersburg.
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Earlier on Friday, UEFA decided to strip St Petersburg of the Champions League final scheduled for the end of May, moving the match to Paris. In the wake of the Ukraine invasion VTB, Russia’s second-largest bank and the title sponsor of the Russian Grand Prix, has had its assets frozen by the UK and the US as part of a first wave on sanctions.

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