New Delhi: Formula One announced on Friday that it canceled the Russian Grand Prix scheduled for September 25 in Sochi in the wake of Russia’s military offensive on Ukraine, AFP reported.
In a statement, Formula One said it was impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances. The Russian Grand Prix, a popular event in the F1 calendar, was set to take place on September 25.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT: READ FULL COVERAGE
“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,” read the Formula One statement.
“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation,” the statement further said.
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Formula One’s announcement comes hours after European football governing body UEFA moved the Champions League final out of St Petersburg due to the crisis. The Champions League final will now be played in Paris in May.
Defending world champion Max Verstappen and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel have publicly declared their opposition to participate in the race.
“When a country is at war, it’s not right to run there,” AFP quoted Red Bull driver Verstappen as saying.
Sebastian Vettel, who drives Aston Martin, was more forthright. “For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country,” he said.
“I’m sorry for the people, innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership,” AFP quoted Vettel as saying.
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