F1 calls off Russian GP after invasion of Ukraine

The Russian GP was scheduled to take place in Sochi on September 25.

Russian forces commenced a full-scale invasion on neighbouring Ukraine early on Thursday on the orders of Russian president Vladimir Putin. 

The escalating situation has prompted F1 to axe the final grand prix to take place at Sochi, following calls that the race should not go ahead. Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday that the Russian GP should be cancelled and revealed he would boycott the event if it did go ahead. 

"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,” an F1 statement said. 

F1 is the latest sporting event to be affected by the crisis, with the 2022 Champions League final moved to Paris after Russia was stripped of hosting the match in St Petersburg.

Haas is running its car in a plain white livery for the final day of the opening pre-season test at Barcelona after removing its Uralkali branding. 

The American outfit has a title sponsorship with the Russian fertiliser company, which is owned by Dmitry Mazepin, father of Haas driver Nikita. 

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said on Friday that the team will be able to continue in F1 even without Uralkali’s sponsorship.