Formula 1 'very closely' watching Russia-Ukraine conflict

Formula 1 says that it is monitoring "very closely" the ongoing conflict that has erupted between Russia and neighboring Ukraine ahead of next September's planned race in Sochi.

After recognizing as independent two separatist states in Ukraine, the eastern territories of Donetsh and Luhansk, Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered in a pre-dawn TV statement on Thursday a military operation in the country.

The move is seen by many as full-scale military invasion of Ukraine and a serious escalation of the conflict.

US president Joe Biden condemned "this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces" in a statement following his call with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, while European leaders are putting together "massive and targeted sanctions" against Russia.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Russian president Vladimir Putin had "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine", and that the UK and its allies would "respond decisively".

On Tuesday, Johnson said that it is "inconceivable" that Russia host next spring's Champion's League football event in Moscow, a statement that logically also puts at risk this year's Russian Grand Prix which is scheduled to take place at the end of September.

"Formula 1 is closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time has no further comment on the race scheduled for September," F1 said in a short statement released on Thursday.

"We will continue to monitor the situation very closely."

• Read also: Russian GP seen at risk as country hit with sanctions

It's uncertain how the ongoing conflict or the sanctions imposed on Russia may impact the Haas F1 team which is largely supported by its Russian title partner, leading fertilizer company Uralkali which is owned by Dmitry Mazepin, the father of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin.

Queried on the Russia-Ukraine situation in Barcelona this week, Mazepin said that he was first and foremost "a big supporter of sports without politics".
"Today I'm in Barcelona, I cannot tell you the excitement of driving the new car and the excitement of actually being involved in developing this new car, from seeing the pictures for a year and then seeing it in physical carbon copy of the pictures is great," added the 22-year-old.

"So I'm just very happy to be in Barcelona and I hope these three days are longer because it's a nice experience."

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