Sebastian Vettel claims that he ‘will not go’ to compete at this year’s Russian Grand Prix, and Max Verstappen has threatened to follow suit. F1 are believed to be considering pulling the race from the 2022 calendar, as President Vladimir Putin continues to escalate tensions with Ukraine.
Russian forces have launched a military assault on Ukraine, with thousands reportedly attempting to flee the country.
Western leaders have promised action against Putin, who formally recognised the independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk earlier this week.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims that a ‘massive package’ of sanctions will be imposed on Russia, as US President Joe Biden promises that they will be held to account.
The fallout is also set to spill over into the sporting world, with this year’s Champions League final due to be held in Saint Petersburg and the Russian Grand Prix pencilled in for September.
Amid calls to axe this year’s race at the Sochi Autodrom as tensions continue to escalate, Vettel has promised action, and Verstappen may not be too far behind.
“For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go,” said Vettel.
“I think it’s wrong to race in that country.
“I’m sorry for the people, innocent people who are losing their lives, getting killed for stupid reasons.”
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