"Formula 1 has to pay that back, whether they like it or not"

Alexey Titov of the organisation of the Russian Grand Prix is not happy with the unilateral termination of cooperation with the FIA and Formula 1. The top executive of promoter Rosgonki therefore does not rule out legal action and in any case wants the 2022 entry fee back from Formula 1.

Unilateral cancellation by Formula 1

In conversation with Russian broadcaster MatchTV, Titov expresses his displeasure with the course of events surrounding the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix. The FIA recently announced that it would not only cancel the race for this season but would also completely suspend its cooperation with the Russian promoter. The latter, in particular, displeases Titov.

"We were informed unilaterally, where our point of view was not even listened to," he explains. According to him, the situation quickly escalated from suspension of the race to complete elimination from the sport. If it is up to the FIA, there will also be no race in St. Petersburg from 2023.

Possible legal action by Russian GP 

According to Titov, it is not right in any case with regard to the way everything went. Further legal action is therefore certainly among the possibilities. "Further steps require additional analysis," revealed Titov. "It is not an easy job, but we will carry it out." According to him, there is no point now in talking further about the outcome, but he will do everything possible to bring this case to a proper conclusion.

In any case, what Titov does want from Formula 1 is a refund of the entry fee for 2022. "The fee for this year has already been partially paid and Formula One has to refund that, whether they like it or not." All fans who bought tickets for the Russian Grand Prix will also be fully refunded, Titov assured.