The 2022 Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this week. The decision has been made following a late-night meeting between the F1 teams, FIA and Formula 1 itself to discuss the situation.
Pressure had come from some teams as well as several vocal drivers including current F1 champion Max Verstappen and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, who went as far as to say he would not go to the Russian GP even if it was held.
On Thursday evening (24th February) F1 teams met with Formula 1 and the FIA to discuss the situation and it was decided that it would be “impossible” to hold the Grand Prix Russia in the current situation. No announcement has been made as to whether it will be replaced with a new event. Several options will be available to F1 including holding a second race at a current venue or adding a new round in at a new track.
In the disrupted 2020 and 2021 seasons tracks that stepped in at the last minute included Imola, Mugello, Portimao and Istanbul Park, with Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring both holding double header rounds in 2020 and Austria repeating in 2021.
Imola already has a place on the 2022 calendar, but Portimao is likely to be able to step in at short notice if needed. Istanbul may be in too close proximity to the fighting in the Black Sea, but has been able to step in before.
— F1 Media (@F1Media) February 25, 2022
In a statement released today (25th February) F1 said: “The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together.
“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope fora. swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.
‘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.”
No statement was available from the organisers of the Grand Prix in Sochi when this article was published.
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.
Keyword: 2022 F1 Russian Grand Prix cancelled