Vettel takes a stand: 'I will not go to Sochi'

A shocked Sebastian Vettel says he woke up on Thursday morning to the news of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and stated that he won't be racing in Sochi.

The crisis between Russia and Ukraine has escalated into a full-scale war between the two countries, with potentially wide-ranging consequences for the Western world.

The situation has logically cast a dark cloud over next September's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.

On Thursday, Formula 1 issued a short statement saying that it is "very closely" monitoring events in Ukraine but without offering any indication about the fate of the 17th round of the F1 World Championship scheduled in Sochi on September 23.

However, as the situation currently stands, Vettel - a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association - vows not to race in Russia later this year.

"Well, I think as the GPDA, we haven't spoken on this subject, so I can't speak on behalf of GPDA," he told the media on Thursday in Barcelona.

"But, in my personal opinion, obviously I've woken up again to this morning's news and [I'm] shocked.

"I don't know, I think it's horrible to see what is happening. And, 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."

Read also: Formula 1 'very closely' watching Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Aston Martin driver, shocked and saddened by events, said that it was being spurred on by "mad leadership".

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

"I'm sure there's something that we will talk about but, as I said, on behalf of the GPDA, we haven't come together yet.

"Personally, I'm just so shocked and sad to see what's going on, so we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made."

Update:

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will meet with team bosses on Thursday evening in Barcelona to discuss the situation between Russia and Ukraine and its potential implications for the Russian Grand Prix.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.