Russian GP cancelled: The Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled: FIA has called off the Russian Grand Prix after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The event was supposed to take place on 25th September. Follow Formula 1 updates on InsideSport.IN.
A lot of drivers came forward and voiced their opinion. The first one was four-time F1 champion, Sebastian Vettel. Vettel said, “It’s horrible to see what is happening. If you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. It’s wrong to race in the country.”
Russian GP cancelled: After the Ukraine-Russian conflict, Formula 1 has called off the Russian GP
“I’m sorry for the people, innocent people who are losing their lives, getting killed for stupid reasons. A very strange and mad leadership. I’m there’s something we will talk about but the GPDA hasn’t come together yet.”
A statement on the Russian Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/OZbbu9Z8ip
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 25, 2022
“Personally, I’m just so shocked and sad about what’s going on. We will see going forward. I think my decision is already made,” Vettel said.
The Formula one CEO Stefano Domenicali met the 10 team principals on Thursday evening to discuss about the Russian Grand Prix. On Friday, F1 confirmed that the race will not go ahead.
Russian GP cancelled: After the Ukraine-Russian conflict, Formula 1 has called off the Russian GP
However, the reigning champion, Max Verstappen backed the veteran and his stand. Max
added, “When a country is at war it’s not right to race there, for sure. It’s not only what I think, it’s how the whole paddock decides what we’re going to do next.”
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso came in support of Sebastian Vettel. Alonso added, “I think we have our opinion and it’s the same one as everyone. But we don’t have the power to decide. We can make our own decisions for sure.”
Russia has held the Grand Prix since 2014. This year’s Russian race is set to be the last around the Sochi Olympic Park, with the event moving to a track outside St Petersburg from 2023.
The Russian Grand Prix was added to the F1 calendar following a deal struck between Vladimir Putin and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Putin even handed over the trophies to the top three finishers in 2014 and 2015.
Haas even dropped their Uralkali livery from their car for the pre-season testing Day 3 in Barcelona. The owner of Uralkali is Dmitry Mazepin, who is the father of the Haas’ team driver, Nikita Mazepin.
Russian GP cancelled: After the Ukraine-Russian conflict, Formula 1 has called off the Russian GP
