F1 has announced the cancellation of the 2022 Russian GP after holding an urgent meeting in Barcelona to discuss the possibilities.
With the invasion of Russia of Ukraine and the world reacting to the saddening news, businesses, entertainment events and or sporting events were all in line to be affected as a result of it, with sanctions being put on Russia for an act of war.
The situation became tensed worldwide and F1 convened a meeting with the team bosses and the FIA on Thursday night in Barcelona to sort its position regarding Sochi hosting the 2022 Russian GP. It looked more likely to be cancelled certainly.
And it happened that way as F1 released a statement on Friday afternoon regarding the cancellation of the 2022 Russian GP. Even with the grand prix far ahead in September, the sport noted that it is impossible for it to visit the country.
“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 for a 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,” said the statement from F1.
While a replacement hasn’t been announce but Turkey seems the best possible replacement around the races in Singapore and Japan. With F1 clearing its possition, talks are underway at Haas to decide the fate of Uralkali and also the future of Nikita Mazepin.
Guenther Steiner spoke to media a while back and made it clear that both the angles needs to be resolved before the 2022 F1 season kicks-off. If they decide to forgo the partnership with Uralkali, there is good chance of Mazepin losing his drive too.
Fair play to Guenther Steiner and @HaasF1Team on taking the topic of Uralkali and Mazepin during the media session. Sponsorship being discussed on how to go forward + #F1 drive for Nikita has to be resolved too. Next week will be crunch. #F1Testing | @MsportXtra @sergiorf97
— Darshan Chokhani (@DarshanChokhani) February 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/nikita_mazepin/status/1497182931072266244?s=20&t=SuSa421v-Ng6dUcNOFSx5w
Here’s news on Haas running plain livery
Here’s last news from F1 on Russian GP