F1 on Friday issued an official statement regarding the cancellation of Russian GP . Russian GP was scheduled to occur between 23rd to 25th September 2022.
Here’s the official statement ,” 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.”
The statement was issued after a crisis meeting on Thursday evening ,which comprised of 10 F1 team bosses, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and the governing body, FIA .
Earlier on Thursday ,Four time world champion Sebastian Vettel said he would boycott the Russian GP .Vettel said ,”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 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 and a very strange and mad relationship.”
“I’m sure it’s something that we will talk about, but personally I’m just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made.”
Fellow World champions Max verstappen and Fernando Alonso echoed the same sentiments of Sebastian Vettel.
Future of Mazepin and Haas :
Haas F1 team is funded by Russian company Uralkali,which considers Haas Driver Nikita Mazepin’s father Dmitry, as one of their major share holder .
Russian invasion on Ukraine has brought various sanctions on Russia, which may affect the sponsorship of Haas F1 team .Though there is no official statement from Haas regarding the sponsorship ,Haas announced that they will use an all-white livery without Uralkali branding for the final day of Pre-Season testing at the circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya .
The future of Mazepin is not clear till now , but Mazepin wrote on twitter ,” “To my fans and followers – it’s a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done”.
“I’m choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team. My deepest thanks for your understanding and support.”
Meanwhile Haas F1 team Principal said that the team would call on Pietro Fittipaldi to step in for Nikita Mazepin if he cannot race .
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