Listen to this article Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, F1 issued a statement on Friday saying it would be “impossible” for the Sochi event to go ahead in the “current circumstances”. The move was backed by a number of F1 drivers who spoke in Friday’s press conference, while four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday he would boycott the race if it did go ahead. The promoter of the Russian Grand Prix, Rosgonki, reacted to the announcement by saying the contract to hold the race had been suspended. However, it instructed fans not to seek refunds for tickets as “it is still possible that the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled” despite F1’s statement. Tickets for the event were still on sale at the time of writing. “According to the official statement released by Formula 1 on 25/02/2022, due to the current political situation in the world, the FIA has decided to suspend preparations for the Formula 1 World Championship round in Russia previously scheduled to be held in Sochi in September 2022 because it is impossible to hold it in the current circumstance …