Formula One cancels Russian Grand Prix as Putin invades Ukraine

Formula One has cancelled this season's Russian Grand Prix over the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement released on Friday, the FIA said: “The FIA Formula One World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together. We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

“On Thursday evening Formula One, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances."

The FIA's announcement comes just hours after Europe's footballing body, UEFA, stripped Russia of this summer's Champions League final and moving it to Paris.

The news of the cancellation will come as a relief for four-time world champion Sebastien Vettel, who said on Thursday that he would refuse to race in Russia if it was to go ahead.

"I think as GPDA we haven't spoken on the subject so I can't speak on behalf of the GPDA," Vettel said.

"In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning's news, shocked, so I don't know. I think it's horrible to see what is happening.

"Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it's wrong to race in the country.

"I'm sorry for the people, innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership.

"I'm sure it's something that we will talk about, but personally I'm just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made."