Sebastian Vettel has declared that he will not race in Formula One’s Russian Grand Prix, following the invasion of Ukraine.
Sochi is due to host its ninth F1 race on September 25, although the sport has faced demands to terminate their agreement with the state-owned circuit.
The sport’s bosses have so far not committed either way, stating that they are “closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time have no further comment”. But four-time world champion Vettel has insisted that he will not go.
The German told reporters on Thursday: “In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning's news, shocked, so I don't know.
“Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go. I will not go. I think it's wrong to race in the country.
“I'm sorry for the people, innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership.
“I'm sure it's something that we will talk about, but personally I'm just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made.”
Haas, the American-owned team backed by significant Russian investment with Nikita Mazepin one of its drivers, pulled out of Thursday’s press conference amid the invasion.
Red Bull’s reigning world champion Verstappen said: “When a country is at war it is not right to race there.”
