After UEFA, Formula One Takes A Stand: Impossible To Race In Russia For Now

F1 illustration

JAKARTA – Formula One (F1) has said that it is impossible for them to race in Russia for the time being when the country is in the midst of an invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

The announcement was made by F1 on Friday, February 25 evening WIB. The statement also absolutely does not cancel the race in Russia which will be held in September 2022.

"On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA and the team discussed our sporting position, and the conclusion is, including the views of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix under the current circumstances," F1 wrote on their Twitter.

"The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries around the world with a positive vision to unite people, unite nations. We watch developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a speedy and peaceful resolution to the current situation," they continued.

Previously F1 driver Sebastian Vettel had conveyed his attitude. The four-time world champion has said he does not want to race in Russia.

Meanwhile, a firmer stance was taken by European football's parent company (UEFA). They moved the location of this season's European Champions League final from Russia to France.

Races in Russia could be held because the time gap is still far away. However, that will only happen if Russia's relations with Ukraine have improved before the race schedule.

Currently a number of reports say that the situation in Ukraine is heating up. The Russian military is constantly trying to capture the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.