Formula 1 cancels Russian Grand Prix over Ukraine invasion
The Formula 1 Grand Prix championship scheduled to take place in September in Russia has been cancelled.
This follows the escalation of the crisis as Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine in a military offensive on Thursday.
In a statement made available on its official Twitter page, Formula 1 disclosed that it reached the decision after a meeting with stakeholders on Thursday evening.
“On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA and the team discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances,” statement by Formula 1 partly read.
The development comes shortly after Uefa, European football’s governing body stripped Russia of the privilege to host the 2022 Champions League final, moving it from St Petersburg to Paris.
The tournament was initially billed to take place at Sochi on 25 September, 14 days after the Italian Grand Prix, at Moza.
Reports indicate that Turkey’s Istanbul Park has been tipped to be the potential replacement venue. However, Formula 1 did not disclose if they would replace the race on their 2022 schedule.
Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel on Thursday said he will not be participating in Russian Prix amid the escalation of the Ukraine crisis.
Before its cancellation, the Russian Grand Prix stood at a record 23 races.
More from Peoples Gazette
Economy
Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina
“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.
Politics
APC wins Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency by-election
The APC candidate, Alademayokun Olarewaju, polled 26,370 votes to defeat his closest rival, the PDP’s Olumuyiwa Adu who scored 24,201 votes.
World
Elon Musk approves satellite communication services for Ukraine
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” Mr Musk, who runs Tesla and SpaceX, said on Twitter. “More terminals en route.”
World
EU announces removal of Russia from SWIFT; freezes central bank’s assets
The decision will all but paralyse the Russian economy, analysts said.
World
EU countries ban Russia from airspace amid Ukraine war
In retaliation, Russia has banned many countries from its airspace, including Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, and Czech Republic.
World
France, Germany, Poland, others send military weapons to Ukraine
Germany also pledged to transfer 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 “Stinger” class surface-to-air missiles.
World
Britain to send more arms to Ukraine as fighting reaches capital Kiev
Britain has already sent 2,000 anti-tank missile launchers and are looking to get more weaponry to the country.
