In its small way, sport can send great messages. Formula 1 can do a lot, even with a simple gesture, in reference to war unleashed by Russia against theUkraine.
The Circus removed Sochi from the 2022 calendar and the pilots unanimously lined up alongside the Ukrainian people. The only exception is Nikita Mazepin, but the situation of the Haas pilot is absolutely peculiar: not only Russian, but also the son of an oligarch who is closely friend of Vladimir Putin. If from Mazepin’s words the embarrassment prevails (“It is a difficult time and I am not in control of what is being done“), The rest of the Circus stigmatized the invasion by Russia. Here is a rundown of the most significant statements.
Lewis Hamilton
“When we see injustice, it is important to fight it. my heart is with all those brave people from Ukraine who are facing such a terrible one. And I am with the many Russian citizens who oppose this violence and ask for peace, often at the risk of their own freedom.“.
Sergio Perez
“It hurts a lot to see what’s going on. All my prayers are for our brothers in Ukraine and for the Russians who are suffering under the guidance of such people“.
Charles Leclerc
“What’s happening in Ukraine it’s incredibly sad and heartbreaking. To see so many innocent people suffering from this situation is horrifying. War should never be an option“.
Carlos Sainz
“I am following closely what is happening in Ukraine and it is horrible to see something like this happening nowadays. All my thoughts are with Ukraine and its people“.
Lando Norris
“I think Formula 1 has made a very good decision to cancel Sochi from the calendar, personally it’s not a place I want to go right now“.
Pierre Gasly
“I’m personally impressed, mostly because I have some people close to me who are in Ukraine right now. It is a very difficult and frightening situation, as they themselves do not know if they will be able to cope with it and if they will be able to see their relatives again. I hope that other countries can support Ukraine, because it is a small country, and we know how powerful Russia is “
Lance Stroll
“The images of the news were very difficult to watch. What is happening in the world right now is terrible. These are very scary times and we must absolutely pray and hope that things go well“.
Sebastian Vettel
“What is happening is horrible, I am shocked. As for me, I have already made the decision, I will not race in Russia“.
Alex Albon
“It is very sad and I think the cancellation of the Russian GP is the right decision for us. There are much bigger things than racing“.
Valtteri Bottas
“We definitely live in a crazy world nowadays and it’s really, really sad to see what’s going on. Innocent people are losing their lives, that’s not fair“.
Mick Schumacher
“I know I’ve been quiet here on Instagram during testing, but with the war in Ukraine it didn’t seem appropriate. My deepest thoughts go out to all the innocent lives affected by this devastating war. It should never have happened“.
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