Formula One cans 2022 Russian Grand Prix

Formula One says it will not race in Russia this season, stressing that it was "impossible" to host a grand prix there after the country invaded neighbouring Ukraine.

The race was scheduled for September 25 at Sochi's Olympic park, but will now be dropped from the calendar for the first time since it debuted in 2014.

"We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," the sport said in a statement on Friday.

"On Thursday evening, Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances."

Formula One drivers backed the sport's call.

"I'm also personally affected, having some people close to me who are in Ukraine right now," Frenchman Pierre Gasly said in a news conference on the final day of the Barcelona pre-season test.

"Personally, I would have found it very difficult to catch a plane and land in a country that is at war," added Ferrari's Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel had told reporters on Thursday he would not race in Russia even if the race went ahead.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen said it was "not correct" to race in a country at war.

On Friday, Mercedes new recruit George Russell said the drivers had been united in their stand.

"Fortunately, the guys at the helm of F1 and the FIA came to a conclusion very quickly so we didn't have to make any difficult decisions," he added.

Nikita Mazepin is the sole Russian driver on the sport's grid.

His US-owned Haas team ran their car in Barcelona testing on Friday in an all-white livery, having taken off all branding representing title