F1 has canceled The 2022 Russian Grand Prix stating that it is impossible to hold the event due to the current situation in Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Formula 1 has stated that the 2022 Russian Grand Prix will be canceled, stating that it “could not take place under the current conditions.”
At the command of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian military launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine early Thursday.
Due to the deteriorating circumstances, F1 has decided to cancel the final grand prix scheduled for Sochi, despite requests for the competition to be cancelled. Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula One world champion, stated on Thursday that the Russian Grand Prix should be scrapped and that if it goes ahead, he will boycott the event.
F1 expressed its grief and amazement at the events unfolding in a statement, confirming that it, too, would not be returning to Russia this season, with the race in Sochi being canceled owing to the ongoing crisis.
A statement from the FIA read: “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 decision follows international sanctions on Russia, including action by athletic organizations such as UEFA which stated that the 2022 Champions League final has been moved from St Petersburg to Paris.
Formula 1 had announced on Thursday that it is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation in Ukraine, following the unprecedented military attack on Ukraine by land, air, and sea, which has already claimed the lives of dozens of people.
