F1 slated for “another politicised act” after axing Russian TV deal

F1 has been criticised by Russian broadcaster Match TV for its "politicised act" to axe coverage of the sport in the country.

The decision to withdraw rights to broadcast the sport in Russia is the latest F1's string of measures imposed in the wake of the country's invasion of Ukraine, which has been met with widespread condemnation from world leaders.

The Russian Grand Prix was first cancelled for this year before the contract with its promotor was ripped up completely, ensuring no race would take place in the country for the foreseeable future.

Russian interest in F1 would have taken a hit with the loss of its race plus the termination of Nikita Mazepin and UralKali's contracts with Haas, which has stepped away from the red, white and blue livery that provided the country with such exposure.

Addressing the cancellation of Russia's broadcasting deal, Match TV executive producer Aleksandr Taschin said: “The Match TV channel was informed of the termination of our agreement to broadcast F1.

“Unfortunately, the 2022 season will not be shown on our channel, despite the long-standing fulfilment of all the financial and marketing obligations from our side.

“We regret what is yet another politicised act from Western colleagues, and we hope that the many fans of auto racing in Russia will yet get to view F1 on the big screen, commentated by our voice of Formula 1 – [long-serving Russian F1 broadcaster] Alexey Popov”.

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