Russia race not possible because of Ukraine conflict

Dhe Formula 1 will most likely not race in Russia this year after the Russian attack on Ukraine. The Sochi Grand Prix was originally scheduled for September 25th. It was impossible “under the current circumstances” to hold the Russian Grand Prix, according to a statement on Friday.

The decision was made after a meeting on Thursday evening between Formula 1, the world motorsport association Fia and the teams. All relevant interest groups were included in the decision. “We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and dismay and hope that the current situation will be resolved quickly and peacefully,” it said.

Vettel: “Wrong to drive in this country”

Meanwhile, the Russian Grand Prix organizer Rosgonki does not want to write off the race. The agreement with Formula 1 was “suspended due to force majeure,” it said in a statement: “The tickets purchased will not be canceled – there is no need to refund them as it is still possible for the race to take place and as before scheduled to be held.”

The premier class of motorsport last forgone a race in 2011 for political reasons. At the time, Bahrain was not driven after political unrest, after people had also died there.

Drivers like Sebastian Vettel had previously positioned themselves clearly against a race in Russia in 2022. “My opinion is that I shouldn’t go there and I won’t. I think it’s wrong to drive in this country,” said the four-time world champion from Aston Martin on the sidelines of the test drives in Barcelona on Thursday, confirming: “My decision has already been made.”

World champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull also criticized the race in Sochi. “We shouldn’t be racing in a country that’s at war, but the whole paddock should decide that,” he said.

Since 2014, the Black Sea resort of Sochi, which also hosted the Winter Olympics in the same year, has been used. Actually, a Formula 1 race was supposed to take place there for the last time this year anyway. The move to the gates of St. Petersburg is planned from 2023.