Formula 1 has pulled its race from Russia amid the country’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it would be “impossible” to hold the race in Sochi under the current circumstances.
The Russian Grand Prix had been scheduled for September 25, but the pressure had grown on Formula 1 to abandon the Sochi race as the sporting world turned on the country.
“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation,” Formula 1 said in a statement.
“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 MORE: Tszyu camp questions rival’s ‘training videos’
READ MORE: Djokovic loses No.1 spot after Dubai loss
READ MORE: Norman’s fiery warning for ‘bullying’ PGA Tour
McLaren was quick to back the abandonment of the Russian Grand Prix.
“McLaren Racing is in full support of F1 and the FIA’s decision,” McLaren posted on Twitter.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who now races for Aston Martin, had already said he would not race in Russia, and reigning world champion Max Verstappen agreed with him but stopped short of saying he’d skip the event.
https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1497189188621553664
A key figure behind the introduction of the Russian Grand Prix was president Vladimir Putin, who has a palace in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi.
The event is set to move to a location St. Petersburg, Putin’s home town, but its future in Formula 1 looks to be great doubt.
The Russian Grand Prix was added to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014 and has been held in every edition since.
Lewis Hamilton, Valterri Bottas and Nico Rosberg shared the wins between 2014 and 2021.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine drew other punitive measures in the sporting world, including UEFA stripping St. Petersburg of hosting the Champions League final on May 28 and replacing it with the Stade de France outside Paris.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!