Formula 1 may be affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine , as the Russian Grand Prix is likely to be canceled in 2022. That is why the bosses of the teams will meet in Barcelona on Thursday afternoon to discuss the theme.
Russia has launched an attack on Ukraine, and some sporting events seem to be moving away from the world’s largest country. UEFA has among its plans not to hold the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg, scheduled for May 28, and F1 can follow the same path with the race scheduled for September 25.
The appointment is the first of a triplet that includes Singapore and Japan, but Formula 1 wants to remain calm, explaining in a statement that it was “closely observing developments” in Ukraine and “will continue to monitor the situation”.
In the press conference of the second day of pre-season testing in Barcelona, the director of the GPDA (Drivers Association), Sebastian Vettel, made it clear that he will not compete in Russia no matter what happens.
Team bosses stressed that there was a bigger picture that Formula 1 should consider, with some commenting on it, such as Mattia Binotto : “I think it’s very sad, right now the only thing we can do is wait and see what happens, and hope for the best.”
“I think that between now and the September Grand Prix there is time, and my wish is that, somehow, everything stops soon. F1 in that situation is not the most important thing, what is key is what is happening there, which, as I said, is very sad.
Williams director Jost Capito echoed Binotto’s opinion: “I think it’s very sad, and our thoughts are with the people involved. It also shows us that, when we look in the mirror, the most important thing is not the F1, there are more important matters. We think about the performance of our cars while there are people who are afraid of losing their lives.
“I think we have to keep that in mind, and we are all involved in it. What happens in the future depends on the FIA and the FOM, which are the governing bodies, aware of what is happening, and they will make the right and proper decision to us,” he added.
Alfa Romeo boss Frédéric Vasseur also spoke: “Mattia [Binotto] is right, racing is not important in these kinds of circumstances, and it’s a very tough time. I think everyone is aware of the situation, and the races will come in the future, but they are not a priority.
If the Russian Grand Prix is finally cancelled, everything indicates that Turkey will be the country that hosts the vacant place that Sochi would leave.
