Russian GP - too early to cancel?

[pincher]

With the Russia/Ukraine situation looking like it will get (a lot) worse before it gets better, is it too early for the FIA/Liberty to think about scrapping the Russian GP in September?

I’d have thought they would be under some pressure already, either from within the sport or from external parties, which would presumably only grow if global sanctions are imposed?

[StevieBee]

If the sanctions are going to be as hard as suggested then I can't see how F1 could go there unless it all fizzles out over the next couple of week.

Must also be a bit worrying for Hass.

[Sandpit Steve]

Hopefully for Gene Haas, he got his sponsorship cash up front.

No chance of Russian GP going ahead if the coming sanctions are what has been trailed - Russia is going to get the Iran treatment of being cut off from the international financial system, and it will be illegal for Westerners to send money there.

UK PM Johnson to make statement in the Commons at 12:30 today, just over three hours from now.

[TheDeuce]

Putin has already technically invaded, however he dresses up that fact.

I'm going with cancel. The Russian GP actually did go ahead the last time he stole a slice of Ukraine but the predetermined sanctions this time, even if only some are actually applied, would be far more disruptive.

We'll know by the end of the day just how serious those threatening various sanctions actually are.

[gruffalo]

There should have never been a Russian GP.

F1 should not suck up to rogue states like Russia!

[moffspeed]

I’m having breakfast in the sun with a distant view of Portimao circuit.

Just a polite reminder that the weather is wonderful on the Algarve in late September…and it’s a short hop from Monza…

Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 22 February 10:05

[TheDeuce]

gruffalo said:

There should have never been a Russian GP.

F1 should not suck up to rogue states like Russia!

I'm not going to enter in to the debate as to where F1 should not go, that's been done to death.

On this occasion it's a little different though because 'if' certain sanctions are actually applied, it would at very least be highly impractical, probably impossible, for F1 go to Russia.

[Adrian W]

Just give the points to Verstappen

[Super Sonic]

moffspeed said:

I’m having breakfast in the sun with a distant view of Portimao circuit.

Just a polite reminder that the weather is wonderful on the Algarve in late September…and it’s a short hop from Monza…

Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 22 February 10:05

Wrong thread. 'Photos of Your Breakfast' :-)

[Oilchange]

moffspeed said:

I’m having breakfast in the sun with a distant view of Portimao circuit.

Just a polite reminder that the weather is wonderful on the Algarve in late September…and it’s a short hop from Monza…

Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 22 February 10:05

I'm just looking at F1.com and Portimao isn't even on the schedule, is it canned or simply not yet confirmed?

[FourWheelDrift]

Sandpit Steve said:

and it will be illegal for Westerners to send money there.

That's going to hit the online pron industry hard too.

[Ian974]

Oilchange said:

I'm just looking at F1.com and Portimao isn't even on the schedule, is it canned or simply not yet confirmed?

I'm fairly sure it was one of the short term covid circuits, which is a shame as it's a good interesting track.

[Oilchange]

Thought it might be but I hoped it would stick, it being a great place and another excuse to visit Portugal...

[TheDeuce]

Oilchange said:

Thought it might be but I hoped it would stick, it being a great place and another excuse to visit Portugal...

It's highly likely the Russian GP will be cancelled so portimao has to be in with a shot again.

Unless they manage to find yet another dust bowl circuit in the middle east..

[Oilchange]

Here's hoping...

[moffspeed]

Oilchange said:

Thought it might be but I hoped it would stick, it being a great place and another excuse to visit Portugal...

There is an appetite for it over here and the circuit is ready to go. It is also a blank weekend in the circuit’s calendar - European Le Mans Series a couple of week’s later. Easy logistics also following on from Monza.

Just add a bit of local interest - maybe Antonio Felix da Costa in the 2nd Haas, livery on the VF-22 updated to Portuguese green and red stripes with Sagres sponsorship - that should do….

Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 22 February 13:50

[Sandpit Steve]

UK sanctions on five Russian banks just announced to Parliament, with the suggestion that there’s more on the way. Rumours also going round that there’s announcements coming from the US once they wake up.

[pincher]

Oooh, five banks and three individuals - I imagine that Putin is on the phone to his Generals right now, telling them to pull back, cos Boris is a bit annoyed.







Or not.

[moffspeed]

There might be some hope, just a caught this photo on the BBC News App.

Looks like the FIA have sent Damon to the frontline to sort things out.

[hyphen]

pincher said:

With the Russia/Ukraine situation looking like it will get (a lot) worse before it gets better, is it too early for the FIA/Liberty to think about scrapping the Russian GP in September?

I’d have thought they would be under some pressure already, either from within the sport or from external parties, which would presumably only grow if global sanctions are imposed?

Champions League final comes first. Tabloids saying Wembley is being put on standby.