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Philip Duncan (PA) & Erin Santillo

Formula One 'closely watching' Ukraine crisis as Russian Grand Prix in doubt

Formula One bosses have so far refused calls to cancel the Russian Grand Prix amid the escalating Ukraine crisis.

Motorsport officials are "closely watching" developments as President Vladimir Putin launches a major military assault in the eastern European country.

The race at Sochi's Olympic Park is set to take place on September 25 as round 17 of the 2022 season.

An F1 spokesperson said: "Formula One is closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time has no further comment on the race scheduled for September.

"We will continue to monitor the situation very closely."

The Grand Prix is due to move to Igora Drive, 40 miles north of St Petersburg, from 2023.

The race at Sochi's Olympic Park is set to take place on September 25 (Getty Images)

Speaking on Wednesday, the grid's sole Russian driver, Nikita Mazepin said: "I am not struggling at all because I have always been a big supporter of sport without politics.

"From the understanding that we have with Formula One, the race is going ahead and you will surely see me there."

The calls to boycott the Russian Grand Prix come as the paddock participates in pre-season testing in Barcelona.

F1 is not the only sport to be watching the Ukraine crisis closely as European football governing body UEFA is understood to be drawing up contingency plans over where to host this season's Champions League final.

The showpiece is due to take place at the 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on May 28.

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

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