new Delhi: Formula One announced on Thursday that it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix, which has entered its eighth day, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Formula 1 can confirm that it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter, which means that there will be no future races in Russia,” Formula One said in a statement.
Russia-Ukraine conflict: read full coverage
Last week, Formula One had already canceled this year’s race after unease between key drivers such as Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. Now, there will no longer be a race in St Petersburg, where it was to be relocated in 2023.
Formula One said in a statement that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances. The Russian Grand Prix, a popular event in the F1 calendar, was due to take place in Sochi on 25 September.
“When a country is at war, it is not right to run there,” AFP quoted Red Bull driver Verstappen as saying.
Sebastian Vettel, who drives Aston Martin, was more forthright. “As for me, I have my own opinion that I shouldn’t go, I won’t. I think it’s wrong to race in the country,” he said.
“I feel sorry for the people, the innocent people who are losing their lives, who are being killed for silly reasons and a very strange and crazy leadership,” Vettel was quoted as saying by AFP.
Other sports organizations such as FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russian national teams and clubs from competition. European football’s governing body UEFA has snatched this year’s Champions League final from St Petersburg.