Russian Grand Prix axed by F1

F1 has taken the decision to axe this year's Russian Grand Prix in the wake of the country's invasion of Ukraine that has sparked global outrage.

The move comes after a meeting on Thursday night of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and senior representatives of all 10 teams.

F1 had initially declared a watching brief of the situation on Thursday morning after Russian forces had attacked neighbouring Ukraine.

But given the overwhelming condemnation of the situation from leaders around the world, it was forced to convene its hastily-arranged meeting chaired by Domenicali and Ben Sulayem, with Peter Bayer, the FIA's secretary-general for motorsport also in attendance.

The upshot is the September 25 race has now been pulled from the calendar.

A statement read: "The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together.

"We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

"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."

F1's decision follows that of UEFA's Executive Committee who, earlier on Thursday morning, confirmed the Champions League final that had been scheduled to take place in St Petersburg on May 28 is to now be held at Paris' Stade de France.

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel had stated he would not attend the race if it had gone ahead, and was supported by a number of his fellow drivers.

Haas, meanwhile, altered the livery on its car to all-white, dropping the colours of the Russian flag and that of sponsor Uralkali, a Russian potash and fertiliser company.

No replacement for the Russian race has yet been announced. Turkey is apparently not being considered at this time, GPFans can confirm.

That particular date on the calendar spearheads a triple-header that sees Singapore and Japan follow.

The Istanbul Park circuit appeared to make logistical and commercial sense after it returned to F1 in 2020 to help fill a Covid-hit calendar and followed suit last year as the sport held 22 races.

But with Turkey seemingly off the table, it remains to be seen as to where F1 will now turn to fill the void.

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