Formula 1 terminates Russian TV contract, blocks F1 TV

Formula 1 has terminated its TV contract with Russia and barred the latter's access to its F1 TV online platform as part of the sanctions levied upon the country following its invasion of Ukraine.

F1's decision - which comes in the wake of the Haas F1 team severing ties with Russian sponsor Uralkali and its driver Nikita Mazepin - follows a similar move done by Britain's Premier league which has suspended its broadcast deals in Russia.

Russia's Match TV held the rights to Formula 1 until the end of 2023, but the sport's black-out in the country also extends to its F1 TV online platform which local subscribers will no longer be able to access.

Read also: Mazepin 'learned he was axed from Haas press release'

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, Formula 1 scrapped the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi from its 2022 calendar, later stating that it would not race in the country in the future.

As part of motorsport's sanctions on Russia, the FIA has imposed restrictions on Russian and Belarusian licence holders, making it mandatory for the latter to adhere to a strict code of conduct that includes racing under a neutral capacity and under the flag of the FIA.

However, Motorsport UK, Britain's own governing body for four-wheel motorsport, has banned Russian competitors, teams or individuals, from competing un any events taking place in United Kingdom.

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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.