The Russian Grand Prix, set to be held in September, has been provisionally moved to Turkey following the invasion of Ukraine.
On Thursday evening, CEO of F1 Stefano Domenicali held a meeting to discuss the Russian Grand Prix, with the opinion that the races cannot be held in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. The scheduled stop in the Formula One season calendar has been removed following the attacks, with the races potentially held in Istanbul instead.
Multiple drivers and team members have declared their opposition to the Formula One Grand Prix going ahead in Russia, with world champion Max Verstappen stating he would not race in a country that had declared war on it’s neighbour.
The Istanbul Park Circuit in Turkey has been provisionally scheduled in for the meeting in September, having been on standby in case of Covid-related cancellations. The races are still officially cancelled currently, however.
In a statement released by F1, they said: “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.”
Russia has also been denied the position of host of the Champions League final after Uefa released the news in light of the current situation. The event was originally scheduled for May 28th in the city of St Petersburg, however the invasion of Ukraine has seen them lose their host city status. The games will now be taking place in the Stade de France in Paris.