For the first time in three years, Formula 1 was hoping to have a stable calendar of races in 2022. After canceling, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, . But, after Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Wednesday night, it was clear this couldn’t happen.
F1 has raced at the Sochi Autodrome on the shore of the Black Sea in Russia since 2014. , which is constructed around the 2014 Winter Olympic village.
But now, F1 management has come together with the teams and stakeholders to confirm that this year’s event cannot take place.
In a statement released this morning, F1 said:
“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.”
The move is without doubt the right decision for F1 to make. It also follows four-time world champion if it were to take place.
Vettel’s comments followed the news that Russian president Vladimir Putin had ordered his troops into Ukraine to undertake “special military operations.” The move has since been condemned by world leaders, including U.S. president Joe Biden who said “the world will hold Russia accountable.”
In the day following Russia’s invasion, countries around the world announced sanctions on businesses and high-net-worth individuals from the country. Some of these sanctions look to be hitting the Haas F1 team, which is sponsored by Russian oligarch businessman Dmitry Mazepin and his potash production company Uralkali.
In F1 testing yesterday, and trucks. The team also dropped the red and white stripes from its livery, which bare a striking similarity to the Russian flag.
, as his seat with the team is directly linked to the Uralkali sponsorship.