Ecclestone on scrapping GP Russia: 'It won't affect Putin'

Due to the Russian attack on Ukraine, the FIA decided to tear up the contract with the Russian Grand Prix. Although the FIA received much acclaim in the Formula 1 world, Bernie Ecclestone does not quite understand the action.

For the past eight seasons, the GP of Russia was still on the program, but as of this year, that is different. The FIA thought it wise to renounce the war with immediate effect and withdrew, leaving it to look for a replacement for the race weekend in September.

Ecclestone doesn't believe the scrapping of the race will have an impact. "As far as I know there is no war in Russia and if the race were to go ahead it would make no difference," he told news agency AFP, as quoted by Speedweek.com.

"The idea of punishing Russia in a sporting sense in this way won't affect Putin at all."

FIA's search for replacement

Partly due to last year's blood-curdling season, interest in hosting a GP is very high. It ensures that the FIA is busy behind the scenes choosing a circuit, with the decision reportedly not yet made.