The Russian Grand Prix contract with Formula One has been terminated

The contract to stage the Russian Grand Prix has been terminated, according to a statement given by Formula One.

The Formula One contract with Russian Grand Prix promoter Rosgonki has been discontinued, ending Russia’s eight-year run on the calendar.

It came as a response to Russia’s military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, which caused the 2022 Russian Grand Prix to be ‘suspended’ at first.

Since 2014, the Russian Grand Prix has been hosted at the Sochi Autodrom every season, with Lewis Hamilton winning the first race. Mercedes acquired a stronghold at the circuit, winning the winner’s trophy on every occasion, including a dramatic rain-soaked 2021 race.

Formula One extended its deal in Sochi until 2025 in 2017, as well as completing a big contract for title sponsor VTB Group.

However, it has now been established that the contract with Rosgonki has been ended as part of the sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Russia will “not have a race in the future”

On Thursday morning, Formula One issued RacingNews365.com with a one-line statement clarifying their position on the future of the Russian Grand Prix.

“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 statement read.

Following a week in which a variety of athletic organisations turned their backs on Russia, this is the latest move by the sport to censure Russia.

Despite calls for all Russian and Belarusian drivers to be banned, Russian driver Nikita Mazepin will be able to compete as an independent racer under the FIA flag next season.

However, the 22-year-old will no longer have a home Grand Prix, since the event appears to have been dropped from the calendar permanently.

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