Formula One cancel Russian Grand Prix following invasion of Ukraine

Formula One bosses have cancelled the Russian Grand Prix.

The race in Sochi was due to take place on September 25, but it has now been scrapped following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

F1’s announcement arrived two hours after UEFA confirmed this season’s Champions League final will be moved from St Petersburg to Paris.

A statement read: ‘The FIA Formula One 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.

‘On Thursday evening Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.’

F1 acted after CEO Stefano Domenicali chaired a crisis summit with its governing body, the FIA, and the sport’s team bosses on Thursday night.

It is unclear at this stage if the race will be replaced, but Turkey’s Istanbul Park has been mooted as a contender to fill the now vacant slot on the calendar.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel earlier said he would boycott the Russian race and described Vladimir Putin’s regime as ‘mad’.

‘I am sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reason,’ he added. ‘It is a very strange and mad leadership.

‘I am shocked and sad to see what is going on. I am sure it is something the drivers will talk about, so we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made. It would be wrong to race in the country.’

Russian-backed team Haas, meanwhile, removed the branding of