via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – May 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race REUTERS/Juan Medina
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – May 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race REUTERS/Juan Medina
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has shaken up the world of sports as well. It has led to organizations boycotting Russia and not allowing their athletes to compete. In light of recent events, F1 has also decided to terminate its deal with the Russian Grand Prix. This means that Sochi will not feature on the calendar for the foreseeable future.
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The community has made their voices heard over the recent removal of the Grand Prix. In the meantime, F1 looks towards replacements.
Fans react to Russian Grand Prix getting replaced
It is not all bad news though as the fans never really liked the Sochi Autodrom. Most of them were perhaps glad to see it get axed.
Sochi gone for good. And I for one, no matter the reason will not miss it. #RussianGPhttps://t.co/cznNNFEAo3
— Viking Wayne (Captain Redbeard) (@Viking_Wayne84) March 3, 2022
Now the question that arises is, which track should take its place? There are quite a few good ones to choose from. Here are fans making some wild requests.
If there's no #RussianGP this year, please can we have a race at Magny-Cours, even if it's just for one year. Miss it so much. #Formula1
— G A J Cook 🇺🇦 (@ErsatzWodehouse) March 5, 2022
A fan also made a pretty solid case for India to return to the calendar.
Now that the #russiangp is off the #F1 calendar. #India should try winning that slot. India is not the same as it was 8yrs ago.Majority of Indias #population is below 40 and have #money to spend. With the rise of #Netflix #DriveToSurvive , the sport has only gained in #popularity
— Noel Nencil (@noel_nencil) March 8, 2022
F1 raced in India only thrice, from 2011 to 2013. During this time, the Indian fans got to witness Sebastian Vettel’s dominance live as the German won all 3 Indian Grand Prix. However, the current circumstances don’t quite favor the return of Buddh International Circuit to the F1 calendar.
F1 stop-gap for Russian GP?
There is a need to find a replacement for Sochi that was set to feature in a triple-header along with Singapore and Japan. Here are some very viable options.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 18, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Turkey and the Triple Hander: The fans love the Istanbul Park circuit and it could easily be a part of this year’s calendar after stepping in as a Covid replacement in the last 2 seasons.
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Vietnamese Grand Prix: The Hanoi circuit was set to host the inaugural Vietnamese GP. However, Covid and other circumstances derailed that plan. This seems like the perfect opportunity to add the track to the calendar.
Portimao and its elevation changes: Talks of the Portuguese GP being back have been doing the rounds. And why not?! A race at the stunning track is never a dull affair.
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Where would you like to see the F1 race in place of Russia in 2022? Let us know in the comments below.
