The Russian-Ukraine Conflict and its

Effects on Formula One

Formula One is the highest class of international motor racing. The races, each known as a
Grand Prix, take place around the world on circuits in Italy, Monaco, United Kingdom,
Germany, Spain, France, UAE, Singapore and many more. Every year, 10 Teams and their
Drivers compete for the title of the Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.

As Max Verstappen won his Maiden Title as the Champion of the World, the seeds of war were
being sown as Russian military equipment and troops were gathering in increasing numbers
along the border of Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, Russia took the decision to carry out a
“Special Military Operation” on several cities of Ukraine, especially targeting the capital city of
Kyiv. With hundreds of casualties, thousands displaced and seeking refuge and shelter in
basements and underground metro stations as well as neighbouring countries, it is clear that
this is one of Europe’s largest wars since the Second World War. Several world leaders have
condemned these actions of Russia. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization response force has
been activated for the first time and the US has sent troops to eastern Europe. Tons of military
aid is being sent to Ukraine from various allies as well.
Vladamir Putin, the Russian President has control over the world’s largest arsenal of nuclear
weapons and has made it clear that interference will be dealt with immediate response, which
will have consequences never seen before. So, the world treads lightly. The US and European
allies careen Russia towards an economic crisis by imposing harsh economic sanctions hoping to
slow Putin down.

The day after the invasion, FIA Formula One World Championship released a statement
regarding the Russian Grand Prix, saying:-
“The FIA Formula 1 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 1, 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.”
In March 2022, Formula 1 also terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter,
meaning that Russia will no longer have a race in the future.
The annual motor racing event had been held regularly at the Sochi Autodrom since 2014 after
several futile attempts for a consistent Grand Prix since the early 1980s.

With the buzz of the new 2022 season, Uralkali Haas F1 Team announced that they will use an
all-white livery on the final day of pre-season running at Barcelona, while dropping the title
sponsor Uralkali’s name. Uralkali is a Russian fertilizer producer and exporter and became the
title sponsor for the Haas F1 Team in 2021 after Driver Nikita Mazepin signed with the team for
the 2021 season. As a consequence of the brutal military invasion, Haas terminated the title
sponsorship. The Haas’ car as well the team’s motorhome at the track were stripped of all
Uralkali branding, which featured the colours of the Russian flag. Though FIA has not banned
Russian drivers from participating, they would have to compete under a neutral FIA flag and not
display any national symbols of Russia or Belarus. But, Haas in early March released a Team
Statement that read:-
“Haas F1 Team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of
Uralkali and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. As with the rest of the Formula 1
community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a
swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”
As for Mazepin, the Russian posted his own message on social media, stating that he is willing to
follow FIA’s new conduct agreement, including the ban on showing any support for the invasion
of Ukraine. Mazepin's full statement read:-
"Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been
terminated. While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from the FIA plus my ongoing
willingness to accept the conditions proposed in order to continue were completely ignored
and no process was followed in this unilateral step. To those who have tried to understand, my
eternal thanks. I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we can all be together
again in the better times. I will have more to say in the coming days."
Following in the footsteps of Haas, Formula 2 team Hitech Grand Prix Limited also terminated
its sponsorship deal with Uralkali. As of March 2018, 20.1% of Uralkali’s shares belonged to
Uralchem, which is controlled by Dmitry Mazepin, father of Driver Nikita Mazepin.

Still, the excitement for the new season of Formula One has not died down. As theories and
predictions brew, fans are eager to find out if 2022 will also be as exciting and controversial as
the 2021 season had been. Will Lewis Hamilton finally become the first 8-time World Champion
or will this record elude him as it had in December 2021? How will the sport change with the
retirement of the legend Kimi Raikkonen? Who will replace Nikita Mazepin for the Haas F1
Team? As for now, we wait with bated breath for the new season to begin and wish justice and
peace to the people of Ukraine and Russia.