Following the condemned invasion of Ukraine by Russia on Thursday, Formula 1 today announced that the Russian Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend of 23rd-25th of September, would not be going ahead. This announcement comes amid a number of cancellations of high profile events in the country as further sanctions are imposed.

Formula 1 has been widely praised for taking action quickly, however it has emerged the event may still take place.

The official promoter of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, Ano Rosgonki, has released a statement claiming tickets for the event are “not cancelled” as the event has only been suspended. This may seem contradictory to the statement from Formula 1. However, the event may not yet be cancelled.

Formula 1’s official statement somewhat vaguely states it is not possible to hold the event in “current circumstances” thus leaving the possibility open should the situation change. 

The official statement from Ano Rosgonki reads:

“According to the official statement released by FORMULA 1 on 25/02/2022, due to the current political situation in the world, the FIA has decided to suspend preparations for the Formula 1 World Championship round in Russia previously scheduled to be held in Sochi in September 2022 because it is impossible to hold it in the current circumstances.

A statement on the Russian Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/OZbbu9Z8ip

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 25, 2022

“The agreement between the official Russian Grand Prix promoter ANO "ROSGONKI" and FORMULA 1 is suspended due to force majeure events.

“The purchased tickets are not cancelled – there is no need to get refunds for them now because it is still possible that the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled.

“ANO "ROSGONKI" continues its business as usual providing services to the Sochi Autodrom guests, as well as organising and holding motorsport and other events of the federal, regional and municipal level as part of the event calendar approved.”