The Russian Grand Prix scheduled, the 17th race in the 2022 Formula One season, has been cancelled in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The decision to axe the race in Sochi, Russia, was announced by Formula One one Friday after CEO Stefano Domenicali held a conversation with the bosses of the 10 competing teams on Thursday to discuss the race in Russia.

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“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation,” began a statement by Formula One, released on Friday.

“On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances,” it said, without furnishing further details.

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A day earlier, four-time F1 world champion Sebastien Vettel voiced his objections to the race being held in light of recent events in Ukraine, and said that he would boycott the event if it went forward. 

“I woke up to this morning’s news shocked. I think it’s horrible to see what is happening. Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. My own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country. I’m sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed (for) stupid reasons and a very strange and mad leadership,” said the Aston Martin driver on Thursday.

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The Russian Grand Prix was scheduled to be held between September 23 and 25, and while Formula One have not said anything yet, ESPN reported that the now vacant slot is likely to be filled with another race.

The Russian Grand Prix was added to the F1 calendar after a deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.