Formula 1 says it is “impossible” for this year’s Russian Grand Prix to take place after announcing the event has been called off following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Thursday morning, Russian troops launched a military on Ukraine, with F1 saying it would be monitoring the developments “very closely” before it held crisis talks with team bosses in Barcelona.
But with the outbreak of war continuing to escalate, F1 issued a statement on Friday confirming it wouldn’t be racing in Russia later this year 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.”
This year’s race in Russia was set to be the last to be held at the Sochi Autodrom with the event being moved to St Petersburg in 2023.
On Friday, UEFA announced the Champions League final, due to take place in St Petersburg in late May, had been moved to Paris.
The crisis in Ukraine led to four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel insisting he would chose to boycott the Russian Grand Prix if F1 decided to race there, while reigning champion Max Verstappen felt it would be wrong to race in a country that is at war.
It is unknown if F1 is considering a replacement for Russia on the 2022 calendar, with Turkey mooted as a potential option having held a grand prix the past two seasons.
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