The 2022 Russian GP was scheduled to be held in September, but F1, the FIA and all teams have decided to cancel the event.
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, F1 has declared that the 2022 Russian Grand Prix will not take place as planned.
“The FIA Formula One World Championship travels to countries all over the world with the goal of uniting people and bringing nations together,” says the FIA “a government statement read. “We are saddened and shocked by the events in Ukraine, and we pray for a quick and peaceful conclusion. Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams met on Thursday evening to examine the state of our sport, and the conclusion – which includes the views of all relevant parties – is that the Russian Grand Prix cannot be held in the current circumstances.”
- F1 says it is impossible to hold Russian GP in current circumstances
- This was supposed to be the final Russian GP at Sochi
Several Formula One drivers expressed their displeasure with the Russian Grand Prix being included in the 2022 schedule at a press conference on Thursday. Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula One world champion, has already indicated that if the race takes place in Russia, he will not compete. “In my opinion, I should not go, and I will not go,” says the author “Vettel stated the following. “In the country, it is illegal to race. I’m sad for the folks who are losing their lives, innocent individuals who are being slaughtered for senseless reasons. “A bizarre and insane leadership.”
“It’s not acceptable to race in a country that is at war,” said reigning world champion Max Verstappen, echoing Vettel.
The 2022 Russian GP was scheduled to take place on September 23-25. This was due to be the final F1 race in Sochi before the event is moved to a new venue near St Petersburg in the future. F1 isn’t the only sport sanctioning Russia; the country has also been stripped off hosting the UEFA Champions League final, being replaced by Paris.
Haas F1 team running all-white livery
The Haas F1 team’s primary sponsor is Russian company Uralkali, owned partly by driver Nikita Mazepin’s father. Its cars have been sporting the blue, white and red colours of the Russian flag as a result of the partnership. However, the team has elected to run an all-white livery for the final day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, dropping all branding from Uralkali.