Pierre Gasly makes Ukraine aid call after revealing personal connection to Russia conflict

Russian Grand Prix

Gasly makes Ukraine aid call after revealing personal connection to Russia conflict

The AlphaTauri driver was reacting to the cancellation of the Russian GP

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Saturday 26 February 2022 17:00

Pierre Gasly has made a heartfelt call for countries to assist Ukraine against Russia after revealing a personal connection to the current conflict.

President Vladimir Putin triggered a "full-scale invasion" of Ukraine this week, with conflict across the country forcing civilians to seek refuge in neighbouring nations.

On Friday, F1 announced the cancellation of this year's Russian Grand Prix, labelling the event "impossible" to hold, with GPFans being provided categorical assurances the race will not go ahead despite a statement on the contrary from the race promoter.

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Asked for his thoughts on the conflict and the cancellation of the race during a media briefing that included GPFans, Gasly said: "I am really pleased this decision was made. For me, it is completely the right one, knowing they are at war.

"Personally, I don't support the actions they are taking right now, so I think it is a relief that F1 is cancelling the grand prix itself.

"About Ukraine, it is really really sad to see what is happening. We are in 2022, to see innocent people, families, basically breaking families and people dying, dying for a reason which I don't support, it is very sad.

"We are seeing all these videos [but] there are clearly other processes that could have been taken to find an agreement between these two countries.

"I do hope other countries really support Ukraine in that sense. It is a small country, we know how powerful Russia is, we know how many people they have, it is kind of an unfair fight in a way.

"I am just very sorry and feeling very sad for all these families out there who are actually quite stuck.

"I am also personally affected, having people close to me who are in Ukraine right now. It is a very difficult situation and very scary because these people don't know if they are going to make it out there and whether they are going to be able to see their relatives. Hopefully, they can find a solution."

Gasly would have taken issue to F1 had decision not been made

Sebastian Vettel declared he would boycott the Russian Grand Prix if it had gone ahead, given the developing escalation in the region.

Asked if he would have supported such a stance, Gasly insisted: "I would, honestly.

"It is pretty scary what is happening in the world right now and I mean, when I saw what Seb said, I completely supported him and I found it the right move.

"It is something I would have taken to Stefano and the top management in F1 because we also have our say.

"It is crazy to see what is happening we are not the only sport to make such a statement and take this decision."