Formula 1 have taken the decision not to replace the Russian Grand Prix on this year’s calendar, despite considering options such as Turkey and Qatar to fill the vacancy. A 22-race schedule is therefore confirmed for 2022 which will grant some respite for drivers during a crowded sequence of races later in the season.
F1 took decisive action back in February by cancelling the Russian Grand Prix after the start of Vladimir Putin’s military assault on Ukraine. Down the line, the contract was terminated which effectively removed Russia from the F1 calendar for the foreseeable future.
Initially, chiefs planned to find a replacement so that they could keep the season at 23 races, as previously planned. But Sky Sports claim that a decision has officially been made and they have decided otherside, favouring a weekend break later in the year.
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The Russian Grand Prix, initially scheduled for September 25, was due to kickstart a demanding triple-header. The cancellation and decision not to find a replacement creates a gap before what is now a double-header in Singapore and Japan.
Finding the right fit to replace Russia supposedly proved difficult for F1 chiefs as EU freight rules creates a host of logistical issues if they were to return to Europe. Concerns were also held over committing to a race in Qatar in the height of a sweltering summer, shortly before they host the FIFA World Cup.
The revised F1 schedule for the remainder of the season is as follows…
22 May: Spain (Barcelona)
29 May: Monaco (Monaco)
12 June: Azerbaijan (Baku)
19 June: Canada (Montreal)
3 July: Great Britain (Silverstone)
10 July: Austria (Spielberg)
24 July: France (Le Castellet)
31 July: Hungary (Budapest)
28 August: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
4 September: Netherlands (Zandvoort)
11 September: Italy (Monza)
2 October: Singapore (Marina Bay)
9 October: Japan (Suzuka)
23 October: USA (Austin)
30 October: Mexico (Mexico City)
13 November: Brazil (Sao Paulo)
20 November: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)