Sebastian Vettel says he won’t race in Russia after invasion of Ukraine

Vettel says the race in Russia should not go ahead

Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has insisted that he will not compete in Russia if the race goes ahead following the country's invasion on Ukraine. It comes after Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine, with the "special military operation" announced in the early hours on February 24, in which Putin warned the West will face "consequences never encountered in your history" should they try to intervene. The 34-year-old Vettel, who races for Aston Martin, has since said that he 'won't go' to Russia if Formula 1 decide to keep the race, due to take place in Sochi on September 25, in the racing calendar. Vettel also claimed that the race should not go ahead considering the situation between Russia and Ukraine. https://twitter.com/ChrisMedlandF1/status/1496822321767723009?s=20&t=UsSsbCu66pTtqU5SjlFjZw   In a statement, F1 said that it was "closely watching the very fluid developments and at this time has no further comment on the race".

It added: "We will continue to monitor the situation very closely."

The report adds that the page which was selling tickets for the race in Russia has disappeared from the official F1 website, and one promoting the Turkish Grand Prix has since appeared.

However, despite speculation that the race will be cancelled and replaced by one at Turkey's Istanbul Park, F1 said that it was a 'development issue' with the website and "nothing deliberate". 

Related links:

• Ukraine invasion: PM brands Putin’s attack ‘heinous and barbaric’ and ‘must end in failure’
• Ukraine Ambassador to Ireland fights back tears in emotional interview
• Ukraine invasion: Everything we know so far and what it means for the UK