Marko in favor of cancelling GP Russia: 'Russia doesn't deserve that opportunity'

Putin's invasion of Ukraine has brought Russia many heavy sanctions from Europe. Formula 1 has also imposed sanctions against Russia. Red Bull Racing advisor Dr. Helmut Marko favors the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix.

The FIA decided the day after the Russian attack that the Grand Prix would not take place in September under these circumstances. The drivers also condemned the Russian invasion on social media. Haas F1, which works with a Russian main sponsor and employs Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, also took immediate action during the F1 winter tests in Barcelona. The sponsor was removed from the livery as well as the colors of the Russian flag.

Marko sees cancellation as only right choice

At the German RTL Marko discusses the state of affairs in F1 regarding the situation in Ukraine. The Austrian condemns Putin's invasion and says he shares the sentiment prevailing among F1 drivers. "It's unthinkable that something like this could happen. When you see how brutally they move through the country and how threatening they are, it's very frightening." Marko is pleased to see European cohesion and hopes that the tough sanctions the EU has imposed on Russia will have an effect. Similarly, the Red Bull advisor hopes that the FIA's sanctions will help de-escalate the situation.

Marko believes that canceling the race in Sochi is the only right thing to do: "Sport is a way to show yourself and to distinguish yourself from the rest. On the contrary, it would be counterproductive to give Russia the chance to position itself positively in front of a global audience again with this Grand Prix." Indeed, the FIA has since permanently scrapped the Russian GP. The umbrella motorsport body only chose not to ban Russian athletes from the sport as well. The IOC called on international sports federations to do so. The WMSC of the FIA, on the other hand, does make Russian drivers sign a special contract.