F1 must not replace Russia just for 'sake of racing' - Steiner

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has warned F1 against finding a replacement for the Russian Grand Prix purely for the sake of racing.

The final race at Sochi before a move to Igora Drive was axed, along with the country's contract for future events, as Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine amidst widespread condemnation.

No replacement has yet been announced although at the Australian Grand Prix weekend a double-header in Singapore was touted.

But in an already crowded calendar, the addition of a new event to replace Russia could provide added logistical strain.

These concerns have been amplified by the global freight issues that have seen increased costs coupled with delays that have already hampered Haas this year and also caused the cancellation of Friday running at the Argentine round of MotoGP.

Asked if F1 should consider saving money by reducing the calendar to 22 races given Russia's axing, Steiner replied: "I think it depends on how much new race brings to bottom line of the budget.

"That is in the hands of F1 and to make sure we are not going to a race just to go to a race, especially with the higher costs of transport and things like this.

"So we need to make sure, or F1 will make sure, that we go to a place and the fee is adequate so we are not losing money if we go to one more place.

"Twenty-two races is a good amount of races but if you can get 23 with the right contribution, it is fine with us."

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