F1 terminates Russian Grand Prix contract

Formula 1 has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix, following the cancellation of the scheduled race in Sochi later this year.

While other sporting bodies such as UEFA have also moved landmark sporting events away from the country, this move effectively severs the F1’s ties with Russia for the foreseeable future. 

September’s grand prix was scheduled to take place in Sochi, and would move to St. Petersburg for the 2023 edition. 

The Russian Grand Prix, which was established in 2014, was a passion project for the country’s leader Vladmir Putin. The president has remained closely associated with the race, and has palaces in Sochi and his hometown of St. Petersburg.

In a statement, the F1 said: “Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future.”

The move comes after the Motorsport UK banned Russian drivers from competing in the UK.

Away from motorsports, FIFA and UEFA have suspended all Russian clubs and national teams, while Russian and Belarussian athletes will be banned from the Paralympics after previously stating they would be allowed to participate as neutrals.

The IOC has called on “event organisers not [to] invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions… in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all participants”.