Like the rest of the world, Formula 1 has also taken severe measures against the invasion of Ukraine by the Russia. In fact, the Circus will not stop in Sochi and every Russian protagonist will have to renounce to convey any banner of national identity.
An answer that Toto Wolff he considered decisive and strong: “I am Austrian, and Austria is only 400 km from Ukraine. Who thought we would see another war in Europe? Formula 1 and sport seem so small in this context, however we have decided not to compete in Sochi and I think Formula 1 has given a strong response like many other international companies. I am fighting for Nikita Mazepin: this is a guy who deserves to stay in Formula 1; on the other hand, if it is true that some sports allow Russians to compete, several others have chosen a harder path. I understand both reactions, also to support the heavy sanctions on Russia“, These are the words of the Austrian a Bloomberg. “We Europeans are in this situation now, and I see the consequences within my team as well. In Mercedes there are Ukrainians and Russians, certainly not an easy situation for those with families in these countries: these are hard times and, from a personal perspective, having grown up in Vienna with parents who come from a Slavic lineage, I feel what is happening even closer to my heart“.
“We have decided to not race in Russia.”
Toto Wolff, principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, speaks to @ MattMiller1973 about F1 racing during the war in Ukraine https://t.co/gnvbzu3wBC pic.twitter.com/0h0xFI4XFA
– Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) March 3, 2022
The response of world motorsport did not make itself felt only with the cancellation of the Sochi Grand Prix. Several national motor federations (British and German the most important) have ‘banned’ Russians and Belarusians from their competitions, also creating an attribution conflict regarding the Silverstone race: will the ‘legislation’ of the national or world federation prevail? For now Mazepin could only race in Great Britain by exploiting some quirks, but the pressure of the national federations could induce the FIA to review its decisions and opt for the ban business suit.
#Ukrainian #War #Wolff #strong #response #Russia #FormulaPassionit