Alexey Popov: Russian GP will not return to Formula 1 anytime soon

Alexey Popov: Russian GP will not return to Formula 1 anytime soon

Alexey Popov does not see any chance for Russia's Formula 1 return.

Due to the war in Ukraine, Russia has been very isolated from the Western world, especially economically. As a result of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, they were widely sanctioned. These ‘sanctions’ extended into the world of sport. Most notably, Russian and Belarussian athletes were BANNED from participating in this year’s Wimbledon.

Formula 1 was also touched by the sanctions and the war. Nikita Mazepin and his father were among the sanctioned individuals (due to their alleged ‘closeness’ to Vladimir Putin). As a result, Mazepin and the Uralkali sponsorship were dispensed with. Not only that but the only Russian event on the calendar was also removed – indefinitely.

The Russian GP in Sochi was a staple of the Formula 1 calendar for seven years between 1994 and 2021. Tens of thousands of Russian fans attended and were able to enjoy Formula 1 in their own country. But as a result of the war, the contract for all future races was terminated.

FS Video

It is fair to say that the relationship between Formula 1 and Russia is at an all-time low. Alexey Popov, who works as a commentator for MatchTV does not feel that they are going to get better anytime soon.

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Alexey Popov: “I don’t see what can make the situation change”

The Russian Grand Prix
Russia is unlikely to return to the Formula 1 calendar anytime soon.

According to OneStopStrategy.com, Popov does not feel that there is any chance that Formula 1 will return to Russia. The relationship is far too damaged for that. Aside from the race itself, Formula 1 had severed its broadcast deal with MatchTV, which means Russian Formula 1 fans will likely have to do ‘gymnastics’ to watch the races.

Russian fans cannot even watch any more Formula 1 content on YouTube, and even a VPN does not work for it. On being asked if the situation may have the potential for change, Popov answered in the negative.

“I think not. And it’s not whether there is inside information or not – I simply don’t see what could lead to this. You have seen the reaction Formula 1 made about everything else.”

“It’s one thing to break the contract, but quite another that Russian people can’t even go to the official website or watch videos on Youtube – even with a VPN! So what are we even talking about? I think there is nothing to talk about at all.”

Formula 1 does not look likely to return to Sochi, or anywhere in Russia for that matter. While this is mostly down to the war in Ukraine and the extremely tense diplomatic situation resulting from it, it’s also because there might actually not be room on the calendar for such a race anymore.

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