F1 monitoring Russia GP status, Sebastian Vettel says he will boycott

BARCELONA, Spain – Formula One said it is “closely watching the very fluid developments” in Ukraine but is yet to make a decision on what to do about September’s Russian Grand Prix.

Russia’s military launched a long-feared invasion of Ukraine early Thursday, attacking its ex-Soviet neighbour from multiple directions despite warnings of dire consequences from the international community. Thursday’s attacks followed weeks of escalating tensions in the region.

The Russian GP is set to take place on September 25 at the Sochi Autodrom.

A Formula One statement said: “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. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.”

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali will meet with the 10 team bosses on Thursday evening to discuss the situation.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel said Thursday he will not take part in that event if it goes ahead.

Vettel, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), said: “[The] GPDA haven’t spoken on this subject so I can’t speak on behalf of the GPDA.

“In my personal opinion, obviously I woke up again to this morning’s news and I was shocked.

“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 opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I’m just really shocked and sad to see what’s going on. We will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made.”

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen said: “When a country is at war it’s not correct to race there, that’s for sure.”

F1 is currently at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya for preseason testing. One of F1’s ten cars taking part in that test has generated significant attention this week.

American team Haas’ title sponsor is Dimtry Mazepin’s company Uralkali.

Haas has the Uralkali name and logo across its cars and team kit and the has adopted the…