F1 drivers sent a strong message against Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the eve of the second three-day pre-season test of 2022, posing together for photos and wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the message 'No War'. Russia launched a major military assault on neighbouring Ukraine on 24 February, which has led to a rapidly-growing refugee crisis and prompted heavy sanctions on Russian companies and institutions.
F1 comes down heavy on Russia
Along with many international institutions the world over, F1 teams have sought to distance themselves from Russia. After several days of uncertainty, Haas dropped Russian driver Nikita Mazepin - whose father Dmitry has close links with Russian President Vladimir Putin - and Russian sponsor Uralkali over the weekend. F1 also terminated the sport's contract with Russian Grand Prix promoter Rosgonki, bringing Russia's eight-year stay on the calendar to an end. Absent from the group photo was Lewis Hamilton, who wrote on Instagram that his flight to Bahrain had been delayed, and Kevin Magnussen, whose return to F1 for 2022 was only announced on Wednesday.
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Please, NO WAR 🔵🟡 #StandWithUkraine #RacingUnited pic.twitter.com/6kRhTx9V3P — Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 9, 2022
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