Following the news that the Russian Grand Prix will not be replaced in 2022, the budget cap has subsequently decreased due to the expenses that will no longer be incurred.
When Russian Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine in February, the FIA immediately moved to cancel this year’s Russian Grand Prix, and banned competitors from Russia and Belarus – who aided the war efforts – from competing under those nationalities.
The neutral flag for the drivers was enforced conjointly with an immediate ban on branding, colours and anthems from Russia and Belarus, and Formula 1 later announced that its contract with organisers of the race had been terminated, likely until Putin is out of office.
READ: Ecclestone unimpressed by ‘stupid’ Miami Grand Prix
Promoters had been working to try and get another race on the calendar to replace the grand prix in Sochi, and the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia was joined by Hockenheim in being possible destinations.
There were then whispers that a second race in Singapore was the only alternative and, failing that, there would be no replacement at all.
In the end, no feasible destination could be found, so the calendar length this year will remain as it was last season at 22 races.
“It was announced on February 25 that, following meetings between Formula 1, the FIA and the teams, the championship would not race at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, which was set to be held on September 23-25,” read a statement from F1.
“But it’s now been revealed that there will be no additional Grand Prix added to the calendar to fill the gap – meaning the 2022 calendar will run to 22 races.”
READ: Alonso: Hamilton struggles highlight Formula 1 is a ‘team sport’
The result of the subtraction of the race in Russia means that the budget cap, which is now understood to have stood at $142.4 million, will decrease to $141.2 million to reflect the fact that the teams no longer have to travel to the extra race and ship their equipment there.
The dates for the rest of the races will remain the same, so the teams will have the weekend off from 23-25 September.