The Russian Grand Prix has been removed from the Formula One ticketing website in the wake of the ongoing military situation in Ukraine. The event, which was scheduled to be held in September, now appears to be in doubt after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in the early hours of this morning.
Fans are now unable to purchase tickets for the Russian Grand Prix, which has been hosted in Sochi since 2014.
The event was briefly replaced by the Turkish Grand Prix on F1’s official ticketing website, according to journalist Vincenzo Landino.
The race in Istanbul was left without a confirmed deal for 2022 when this year’s calendar was initially announced.
It was part of the schedule from 2005 to 2011 before returning due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
The event’s temporary inclusion on F1’s ticketing website appears to suggest that it could soon replace the Russian Grand Prix in the wake of recent developments in Ukraine.
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It remains to be seen whether the planned race in Sochi will eventually be pulled from the calendar as a result of Russia’s decision to take military action.
An F1 statement read: “F1 is closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time has no further comment on the race scheduled for September.
“We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.”
Last year’s race in Russia was won by Lewis Hamilton, who became the first driver to reach 100 victories by taking the chequered flag ahead of Max Verstappen.
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The Mercedes man was almost beaten by Lando Norris, who found himself at the front of the order before a late rain shower ruined his chances of sealing a maiden Grand Prix win.
The 22-year-old decided against pitting for intermediate tyres and was unable to prevent himself from leaving the track during the final few laps, with Hamilton staying on the tarmac to claim the lead for himself.
The removal of the Russian Grand Prix from F1’s ticketing website comes after Nikita Mazepin, the grid’s only Russian driver, played down concerns that it would be moved or cancelled as a result of the situation in Ukraine.
“Of course,” replied Mazepin when quizzed whether he thought the race in Sochi would be unaffected at Wednesday’s pre-season test in Barcelona.
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“From the understanding we’ve had with Formula One, the race is going ahead and you will surely see me there.
“I’m not struggling at all because I’ve always been a big supporter of sports without politics.”
Meanwhile, there are also questions over whether the UEFA Champions League final, which is set to take place at the end of May, will be moved from St Petersburg in the wake of recent events.
UEFA says it currently has ‘no plans’ to change the venue but is ‘constantly and closely monitoring the situation’, according to Sky News.