Hundreds of F1 fans have been calling for the 2022 Russian Grand Prix to be cancelled due to escalating tensions between the Kremlin and the international community over Ukriane, while some have even called for Nikita Mazepin to lose his seat.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway regions in Ukraine as independent territories and deployed troops into them, prompting widespread condemnation from the international community.
The United States announced a fresh wave of sanctions and warned that Russia could launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the near future.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, in turn, warned the US and its NATO allies to “think twice” to avoid aggravating the situation.
Following this latest escalation, numerous F1 fans have taken to Twitter to call for the 2022 Russian Grand Prix to be cancelled and replaced with another race.
However, some defended Russia, while others argued that if the Russian GP is to be axed, many other races should also be taken off the calendar.
Some social media users said they believe that Haas should be banned from using the colours of the Russian flag in its 2022 livery, and even argued that Mazepin shouldn’t be allowed to race in Formula 1 due to his nationality.
The Russian made his debut in the pinnacle of motorsport last year with the Haas F1 Team.
His father, Dmitry Mazepin, helped him land the seat by inking a sponsorship deal between Russian potash fertiliser giant Uralkali and the American racing outfit.
Another called on Mazepin to “denounce” Russia’s actions in Ukraine:
The 2022 Russian Grand Prix, which will be the eleventh F1 race to be held in the country, is scheduled to take place on 25 September in Sochi.
All 10 teams will take part in the first day of the first pre-season test today in Barcelona.
The three-day test will be conducted behind closed doors, but the second test, which will take place in Bahrain next month, will be broadcast on TV and open to in-person spectators.
The 2022 season will get underway at the same circuit on 20 March.
There are set to be 23 races this upcoming season, including the Russian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to form the 17th round of the calendar.