F1: Russian Grand Prix Cancelled Amidst Ukraine Invasion

The Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix has been canceled in light of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. An F1 statement said that it had been mutually agreed at a meeting of stakeholders "that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.” The statement added that F1 was observing the current situation in Ukraine "with sadness and shock and hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution". The Russian Grand Prix was due to take place on September 25 in Sochi.

Also Read: F1: Russian GP Listing Disappears From F1.com Page Amidst Ukraine Invasion

In the interim, Haas team boss Gunther Steiner said the future of driver Nikita Mazepin "needs to resolved". Steiner said the team had "legal issues to go through" in an ostensible indication the US-based outfit are trying to split from Mazepin and the sponsorship money that comes from his father Dmitry Mazepin, a majority shareholder and chair of Uralchem Integrated Chemicals Company. Haas had already removed the logos advertising Mazepin's company before Friday's final day of this week's pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The season's 17th race in Russia was originally scheduled to take place on September 25, 2022.
Photo Credit: Formula One

Steiner said the team would work on the situation next week but insisted the future of Haas in F1 was not in doubt. This year's Russian Grand Prix was due to be the last to take place at the Sochi Autodrom ahead of a planned move to St Petersburg in 2023. In the wake of the Ukraine invasion, VTB - Russia's second-largest bank and the title sponsor of the Russian GP - had its assets frozen by the UK as part of a first wave of sanctions. Few reports suggest also that Turkey could be added to the schedule, however, there is no confirmation from F1 regarding this.