Mere days ago, Bernie Ecclestone remained certain formula one will race for the first time in Russia next month. Amid the Ukrainian crisis and the MH17 atrocity, the F1 chief executive defended his decision to resist calls to cancel the inaugural Sochi event. "We have a contract, and I respect contracts. So we're going there," he told the Swiss newspaper Blick.
And last week, Ecclestone reiterated his admiration for Vladimir Putin, saying the controversial Russian president is "easy to deal with. A nice guy. Super guy," he told CNN and F1 business journalist Christian Sylt. "Trustworthy. He wants to get the race done and he will get it done."
But that was just before the very latest developments in Russia, as the West roundly condemned Putin for boldly stepping up his military stance against Ukraine. Reports suggest European and US officials will meet this week to consider new sanctions against Putin's regime.
The Financial Times claims the European Union is considering recommending Russia's suspension from "high-profile international cultural, economic or sporting events" including the World Cup and formula one. "Boycotting a prestigious international sports event has a distinctively Cold War feel to it," said a European analyst for the Eurasia Group consultancy. "This will sting the Russians far more than anything the EU will do on finance this round." (GMM)
European Union could recommend Russia GP boycott
- Published on 03 Sep 2014 14:25
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
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Jan 26
I. Hadjar
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Jan 27
M. Verstappen
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Jan 28
A. Antonelli
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G. Russell
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Jan 30
L. Hamilton
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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Feb 11
L. Norris
- 1:34.669
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Feb 12
C. Leclerc
- 1:34.273
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Feb 13
A. Antonelli
- 1:33.669
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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Feb 18
G. Russell
- 1:33.459
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Feb 19
A. Antonelli
- 1:32.803
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C. Leclerc
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
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Spain
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Bahrain
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Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
26 - Jun 28
Austria
Red Bull Ring
3 - Jul 5
United Kingdom
Silverstone
17 - Jul 19
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
24 - Jul 26
Hungary
Hungaroring
21 - Aug 23
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
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