Formula 1: Next Russia decision made - "Contract terminated"

Created: 03/03/2022 13:13

By: Christoph Klaucke

Formula 1 sets an example in the Ukraine war: the September race in Russia has been canceled - and there will be no more driving in the future.

Update from March 3:

Next bang in Formula 1: The premier class will no longer drive in Russia.

Last week, the racing series initially only canceled the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi this year in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine.

An official statement said: "Formula 1 can confirm that it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix organiser, which means that Russia will not host a race in the future."

Since 2014, the Black Sea resort of Sochi, which also hosted the Winter Olympics in the same year, has been used.

The Grand Prix this year was scheduled for September 25th.

Actually, a Formula 1 race was supposed to take place in Sochi for the last time this year.

The planned move in 2023 outside the gates of St. Petersburg is therefore cancelled.

The premier class is now setting the next sign against Russia.

The Russian pilot Nikita Mazepin was recently banned from starting at Silverstone.

Ukraine conflict: Formula 1 cancels Russia race - Vettel boycott is followed

First report from February 26th:

Sochi/Barcelona – Formula 1* is currently in the hot preparation phase for the new season.

Important tests for the start of the season are underway in Barcelona.

But even before the first Grand Prix on March 20th in Bahrain, the first important decision in Formula 1 will be made. The race in Russia will be cancelled.

After the Russian attack in the Ukraine conflict, the premier class of motorsport is giving the only right signal.

Formula 1: Russia race canceled – no Grand Prix in Sochi

The race in Sochi was 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.

“The FIA ​​Formula One World Championship visits countries around the world with a positive vision of uniting people and bringing nations together.

We observe the developments in Ukraine with sadness and dismay and hope that the current situation will be resolved quickly and peacefully."

Formula 1: No Russia race – Sebastian Vettel's boycott is implemented across the board

Sebastian Vettel had previously positioned himself clearly against a race in Russia in 2022 in the Ukraine conflict and announced his boycott.

“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.

Mick Schumacher, whose Haas drove on Friday without Russian colors and the logo of Russian title sponsor Uralkali, described the escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as "very bad".

It was "terrible in many ways".

Formula 1 is canceling the Russia race, following Sebastian Vettel's boycott.

© Eleanor Hoad/Imago

Formula 1 cancels Russia races: 2023 Grand Prix in St. Petersburg is planned

Formula 1 has been running in Sochi since 2014, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has always been very committed to the Grand Prix on the grounds of the Olympic Park on the Black Sea coast.

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.

Formula 1 initially left open whether the Russian race should be replaced by a Grand Prix in another country.

Qatar should be an option, there was a race there for the first time last year.

The premier class planned 23 races for 2022, more than ever before.

Formula 1 last refrained from racing in 2011 for political reasons.

At the time, Bahrain was not driven after political unrest, after people had also died there.