Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix Canceled After Ukrainian Invasion

The 2022 Formula One season is just about ready to kick off with Aston Martin already revealing theVantageandDBX safety and medical carsthat will be used in some of the races. While this announcement and the reveals ofall the cars for the season aheadare welcome bits of sporting news, they've been somewhat overshadowed by recent events on a global scale. The FIA has now announced that this year'sRussian Grand Prix in Sochihas been canceled in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine which commenced late last week.

In an official statement, the FIA says, "The FIA Formula One World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together. We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

"On Thursday evening Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances."

The 2022 Russian Grand Prix was set to take place on September 23 and would be the sixth race and final race at the track. The competition made a return to the location in 2014 after a century's absence and suggested plans to shift the race to Igora Drive near Saint Petersburg next year.

The FIA's decision follows several drivers speaking out on the matter, including Sebastian Vettel. Vettel was the first to speak out before the race was canceled, saying, "My own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. 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 under a very strange and mad leadership."