F1 “closely watching” developing Russia-Ukraine situation

Russia launched an invasion on Ukraine early on Thursday morning after president Vladimir Putin ordered a “specialised military operation” in the neighbouring country, which has branded it as a “full-scale invasion”. 

The European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom are considering imposing a “package of massive and targeted” economic sanctions on Russia. 

The developments have cast doubt on this year’s Russian Grand Prix. The Sochi race, which joined the F1 calendar in 2014, is currently scheduled to take place on September 25. 

F1 refused to comment on whether the Russian GP could be cancelled when approached by Crash.net. 

An F1 statement said: “Formula 1 is closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time has no further comment on the race scheduled for September.

“We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.” 

European football’s governing body UEFA is set to move the Champions League final away from St Petersburg in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Potential sanctions against Russia could have implications for the Haas F1 team. 

The American-based outfit is sponsored by Russian fertiliser producer Uralkali, which is owned by Dmitry Mazepin, the father of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin. 

Haas’ 2022 cars feature a livery incorporating the colours of the Russian flag.