Will F1 stay in Sochi? 'That's not completely off the table yet'

Last week it was announced that the Russian Grand Prix will move to the Igora Drive circuit near Saint Petersburg from 2023. The organisation of the race however remains in the hands of the current promoter Rosgonki who doesn't exclude a return to Sochi.

The Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi circuit made its debut in Formula 1 in 2014, and was won by Lewis Hamilton. Between 2014 and 2020, the race was won by Mercedes every year. So from 2023, the race in Russia will have a different battleground, the organiser of which will not change.

Sochi retains F1 licence

"Everything will be in order at the Sochi Autodromo," Rosgonki director Alexey Titov let Motorsport.com know. "It will remain because after all it is not only a motorsport heritage and the first circuit to welcome Formula 1 to Russia, but it is also part of Russia's Olympic legacy."

According to Titov, the circuit in Sochi will also be further developed. "The circuit will retain the Grade 1 license from the FIA, so the circuit will also be able to welcome any motorsport series in the future." From a commercial point of view, Titov says he now has more options. "We can be more flexible in using a very large part of the circuit, with a very different format. We are happy with that, because that is how the circuit can develop in the first place."

Alternating between Sochi and Igora Drive

With Sochi retaining the licence, the circuit could also host Formula One in the future. "For now, the focus is on moving the race to St Petersburg, but the idea of alternating the races is not completely off the table. We are now focused on working out a detailed plan for the race in St Petersburg. That is the priority now. How the event will evolve further is the next question."