Four-time F1 world champion and current director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association Sebastian Vettel said today he will not race in the 2022 Russian Grand Prix scheduled for 25 September and that the event should be canceled, because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine begun today.

Mr. Vettel, who drives for the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, said:

"Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it's wrong to race in the country.'

2021 F1 world champion Max Verstappen has also called for cancellation of the Sochi race.

Formula 1 organizers said earlier today that they are "closely watching" the events in Ukraine.

Stand by for updates.