[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
Various Formula One drivers condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while Aston Martin F1’s Sebastian Vettel announces he will pull out of the 2022 Russian Grand Prix.
Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel has announced his intention to forgo competing in September’s 2022 Russian Grand Prix after Russian forces invaded Ukraine this week.
The four-time F1 world champion was the first to insist his absence from the race, adding that the Russian Grand Prix should be cancelled entirely.
Vettel – who drives for the Aston Martin F1 team – told a press conference at pre-season testing “In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning’s news, shocked, so I don’t know. I think it’s horrible to see what is happening.”
“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.”
Vettel has become increasingly outspoken about social issues such as homophobia and racism.
His comments denouncing the invasion by Russian forces were echoed by fellow drivers Max Verstappen (Red Bull F1 team) and Fernando Alonso (Alpine F1 team).
“When a country is at war it is not right to race there, that’s for sure,” Verstappen added.
Fernando Alonso also commented: “We have our opinion and I’m sure it’s the same as everyone. We can make our own decisions for sure but eventually I think Formula One will do the best thing.”
Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine on Thursday morning after president Vladimir Putin ordered a “specialised military operation.”
Conversely with the comments above, Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin (shown below) told Crash.net he believes the 2022 Russian Grand Prix will go ahead despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“From the understanding that we’ve had with Formula One, and race is going ahead and you will surely see me there,” Mazepin told the publication.
American team Haas F1 decided to drop the colours of the Russian flag from its livery at Barcelona’s pre-season testing. Nikita Mazepin drives for the team, which is sponsored by his father’s Russian petrochemical company Uralkali.
It’s understood that F1 team principals will meet with Formula One officials in Barcelona to discuss the situation.
The F1 corporation said it was “closely watching the very fluid developments and at this time has no further comment on the race”.
The Russian Grand Prix has taken place in Sochi, Russia since 2014 and is scheduled to take place on September 25, 2022.
As part of the Drive content team, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.
He understands that every car buyer is unique and has varying requirements when it comes to buying a new car, but equally, there’s also a loyal subset of Drive audience that loves entertaining enthusiast content.
Tom holds a deep respect for all things automotive no matter the model, priding himself on noticing the subtle things that make each car tick. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t learn something new in an everchanging industry, which is then imparted to the Drive reader base.
Read more about Tom Fraser
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]