Formula One will NOT replace the axed Russian Grand Prix after scrapping it when Putin invaded Ukraine… with bosses wary of causing a logistical nightmare for teams and settling on a 22-race season
- Formula One will not be replacing the axed Russian Grand Prix this season
- The race was scrapped as a result of Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine
- It was thought organisers were going to try and find another race instead
- But logistical issues mean the F1 season will just be 22 races this time around
Formula One has decided it will not replace the axed Russian Grand Prix in its race schedule this season.
The race, due to be held in Sochi in September, was scrapped back in February as a result of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Just days later, F1 then cancelled its contract with the Russian Grand Prix.
But F1 officials have now decided against inserting another race into this season’s calendar amid fears of causing a logistical nightmare for teams.
Formula One will not be replacing the axed Russian Grand Prix in this season’s schedule
Bernie Ecclestone struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to add the Russian GP to the list in 2014
It means this campaign will now be a 22-race season instead.
Qatar and Hockenheim in Germany emerged as two possible contenders to replace the Russian race but neither option was ultimately deemed viable.
The Russian round was added to the F1 calendar in 2014 after former supremo Bernie Ecclestone struck a lucrative deal with Putin.
F1 bosses announced only last June that an agreement had been reached to move the Russian round to Igora Drive, 40 miles north of St Petersburg, from 2023.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel said he would boycott the Sochi Grand Prix if Russia was allowed to hold onto the hosting rights.
Max Verstappen has won the last two races as he tries to close down Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc
‘The 2022 Formula One calendar will now run to 22 races rather than the originally planned 23, following the decision not to replace the Russian Grand Prix,’ read a statement from F1.
‘It’s now been revealed that there will be no additional Grand Prix added to the calendar to fill the gap – meaning the 2022 calendar will run to 22 races.’
Russia was also stripped of the Champions League final with European club football’s showpiece occasion on Saturday, May 28 to now be held in Paris.
The season resumes in Barcelona this weekend with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen of Red Bull already engaged in a close battle for the title.
Leclerc currently leads the way with 104 points while Verstappen, the reigning world champion who has won the last two races at Imola and Miami, is second on 85.
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