Formula 1 is “closely watching” the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as two drivers call for the race in Sochi to be cancelled.
For weeks, tensions have been building with Russian troops mounting on the borders, and on Thursday, a widespread attack on Ukraine was launched.
Already, there are reports UEFA will move the Champions League football final from St. Petersburg as a result, and F1 is also under pressure to cancel the Russian Grand Prix scheduled for September.
But in a statement, an F1 spokesperson insisted no decision had been made on the fate of the race.
“Formula One is closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time has no further comment on the race scheduled for September,” they said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.”
However, Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel, one of F1’s most outspoken drivers, made it clear he would not take part in a race in Russia this year.
“In my personal opinion, obviously I’ve woken up again to this morning’s news and [I’m] shocked,” said the German.
“I don’t know, I think it’s horrible to see what is happening. And, obviously, if you look at the calendar, we have a race scheduled in Russia.
“For myself, my own opinion is I should not go – I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country.
“I’m sorry for the people, innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons. [It’s] a very, very strange and mad leadership,” he added.
“I’m sure there’s something that we will talk about but, as I said, on behalf of the GPDA, we haven’t come together yet.
“Personally, I’m just so shocked and sad to see what’s going on, so we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made.”
New F1 champion Max Verstappen also voiced his opposition to a race in Russia, telling reporters: “When a country is at war it is not right to race there.”
Guenther Steiner, team boss at the Haas team which runs in Russian colours and is heavily backed by Uralkali, cancelled his planned media appearance on Thursday in response to the escalation.
But before the attacks increased, driver Nikita Mazepin was confident the last race in Sochi before a move to Igora Drive in 2023 would go ahead.
“From the understanding that we’ve had with Formula 1, the race is going ahead and you will surely see me there,” Mazepin said.
