via Reuters
Formula One F1 – New FIA President Press Conference – Paris, France – December 17, 2021 New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the press conference REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – New FIA President Press Conference – Paris, France – December 17, 2021 New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the press conference REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
The new Formula One season is all set to begin on March 18 (practice). Amid the tension between Russia and Ukraine, the FIA canceled the Russian Grand Prix scheduled to be held in September.
And now, the Russian Grand Prix promoter Alexey Titov voiced his dissatisfaction with the FIA’s decision to end the contract. Many drivers have also approved the FIA’s decision to revoke the Russian Grand Prix.
What did Alexey Titov say?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued, The FIA took an immediate decision to cancel the race to be held in Sochi. They released a statement that said that it is unfeasible to race in Russia.
Haas have also released Russian driver, Nikita Mazepin, and ended their partnership with Russian company, Uralkali. However, the Russian Grand Prix’s Chief Promoter, Alexey Titov, believes the FIA has failed to consider their point of view before deciding to rescind the Grand Prix.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 24, 2021 McLaren’s Lando Norris and Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during practice REUTERS/Anton Vaganov
The termination not only applies to this season but in the future campaigns, which disappointed Titov. He said, “We were informed unilaterally, where our point of view was not even listened to.”
The Russian also stated that there is a chance that they will take legal actions against the FIA. He added, “Further steps require additional analysis. It is not an easy job, but we will carry it out.”
WATCH THIS STORY – Top 5 Williams F1 Liveries of All-Time
Titov confirmed that they will refund the money spent on buying the tickets for the event in Sochi. He stated, “The fee for this year has already been partially paid and Formula One has to refund that, whether they like it or not.”
Drivers voicing their opinions
Four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel was one of the first drivers to speak out about the recent developments between Russia and Ukraine. He also conveyed that he will not race in Russia before the FIA canceled the race.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 19, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during a press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Sebastien Nogier
He said, “I should not go, I will not go. It is wrong to race in the country.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reigning champion Max Verstappen conveyed that the Russian Grand Prix should not take place during the dispute between two countries.
Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly also chipped in with their thoughts. They believe the FIA has made the right decision to cancel the Grand Prix in Russia.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With the Russian Grand Prix not going ahead, Formula One is yet to confirm the venue to replace it. Rumors suggest that Qatar and Turkey are leading the list of options. What venue should the FIA add to F1? Leave it in the comments.
ALSO READ – REPORT: Huge Mercedes W13 Update Set to Debut at Bahrain Testing
