A year ago, tens of thousands were in the stands at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. With Nikita Mazepin there was also a fellow countryman driving. But because of the war in Ukraine, all ties between Formula 1 and Russia have been severed.
Contract torn up
Russian fans of Formula 1 are currently experiencing tough times. The television contract between Match TV and Formula One has been torn up. The races can no longer be seen in Russia. In fact, even the official Formula 1 website or videos of the races on YouTube cannot be viewed. Even a VPN connection does not change this.
The love between Formula 1 and Russia seems to be over. Alexey Popov, Russia's David Crofty, does not expect a quick turnaround in the relationship. "I don't think so," he revealed to Onestopstrategy.com. "I have no inside information or anything. But I don't see what can make the situation change. You've seen how the Formula One organization has reacted."
No more Russian races
The Russian Grand Prix was removed from the calendar immediately after the outbreak of war. The contract for the coming years has also been broken. Haas is now engaged in a battle with former sponsor Uralkali over the sponsorship budget already paid out.