Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen says ‘it’s not right to race in Russia’ as Sebastian Vettel criticises ‘very, very strange and mad leadership’ as stars respond to invasion of Ukraine

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has said ‘it is not right to race’ at the Russian Grand Prix, while Sebastian Vettel has revealed he will not go.

Russia has begun military action in Ukraine, with sport’s governing bodies weighing up their options alongside world governments.

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The Sochi Autodrom has been the host of Formula 1’s Russian Grand Prix since 2014, and F1 caused a stir by removing the event from their ticketing website on Thursday before it later returned.

F1 released a statement saying it, ‘is closely monitoring the very fluid developments’ while, in football, UEFA may move the Champions League final away from the country.

Despite F1’s statement, two of motorsport’s most high-profile drivers have already had a much stronger say on the situation.

"When a country is at war, it is not right to race there,” said Red Bull's reigning champion Verstappen at

Four-time champion and Aston Martin driver Vettel went even stronger, criticising Russia’s leadership.

"For myself, my opinion is I should not go, I will not go,” the German said.

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“I think it’s wrong to race in the country. 

“I’m sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership."