Formula One Terminates Its Contract With The Russian Grand Prix

Formula One has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix and will not race in the country for the foreseeable future.

F1 has confirmed the news and believe racing in the country is impossible following last week's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

This year's race in Sochi, set to take place in September, had already been cancelled despite promoter Rosgonki saying it could still be on.

A statement reads: "Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future."

Alamy

Russian president Vladimir Putin played a key role in bringing the F1 to Russia in 2014 and was closely associated with the event, which had previously been held in his home city St. Petersburg.

The contract was originally set to expire in 2025 and the Russian Grand Prix was one of the most lucrative races on the calendar.

It's believed the decision to terminate the contract was made last week after meetings between F1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and individual team bosses.

Motorsport UK announced earlier this week that Russian driver, Nikita Mazepin, wouldn't be allowed to race at the British Grand Prix on July 3.

Mazepin drives for Haas and the FIA confirmed Russian and Belarusian drivers could compete under a neutral flag.

Motorsport UK chairman, David Richards CBE, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Mazepin would not be racing at Silverstone however.

Alamy

"The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict," Richards explained per Sky Sports.

"We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded. This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU)."

Other sports have taken action against Russia amid the war.

FIFA have suspended all Russian national sides and clubs from their competitions until further notice and EA Sports are in the process of removing Russian teams from FIFA 22.

Chelsea owner has announced Roman Abramovich announced he wishes to sell the Premier League club, as threats of sanctions on the billionaire grow in UK parliament.