Pierre Gasly says he is "personally affected" by the events taking place in Ukraine, but also pleased with F1's decision to call off the Russian Grand Prix.
Speaking in a drivers media conference in Barcelona on Friday, Gasly revealed that the Ukraine crisis is one that is close to his heart, the Frenchman revealing that several of his close friends were currently in the country that has been invaded by Russia.
"It’s a very difficult situation and very scary because these people don’t know if they’re going to be able to make it out there and whether they’re going to be able to see their relatives," Gasly said.
"So hopefully they can find a solution."
Addressing Formula 1's decision on Friday to scrap the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi from its calendar, the AlphaTauri driver insisted it was the right call.
"About the Russian Grand Prix, I think it was definitely the right decision to make. I’m actually really pleased this decision was made. To me, it’s completely the right one.
"Especially knowing they are in war, personally I don’t support the actions they are taking right now, so it’s kind of a relief F1 is also supporting and cancelling the grand prix itself."
As he spoke about the ongoing crisis, Gasly expressed his empathy for those who are enduring the hardship of Russia's invasion.
"I do hope other countries really support Ukraine in that sense because it’s a small country, we know how powerful Russia is," he said.
"We know how many people they have. It’s kind of an unfair fight in a way. I’m just very sorry and feeling very sad for these families out there who are actually quite stuck."
McLaren's Lando Norris echoed Gasly's impassioned feelings.
"It’s sad to see what’s going on in the world right now," said the Briton. "I think it’s a very good decision Formula 1 have made, because personally it’s not a place I would want to be going right now.
"It’s very sad to see everything that’s just going on and the innocent lives which are being taken as well."
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