'Makes no sense': Bernie Ecclestone slams 'ridiculous' Russian GP call

Outspoken Formula One identity Bernie Ecclestone has hit at the sport's current powerbrokers over the decision to cancel this year's Russian Grand Prix in response to the war in Ukraine.

The race scheduled for September 25 in Sochi - the final year the city was due to host the race before it moves to Saint Petersburg - was scrapped by Formula One last week.

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Ecclestone - the ex-F1 chief who transformed the sport into a global multi-billion-dollar commercial giant over several decades, said he did not understand how the sport's governing g body, the FIA, reached its decision.

Ecclestone was pivotal to F1 heading to Russia, with the Black Sea resort of Sochi first hosting the race in 2014.

Despite many other sporting bodies and athletes around the world also announcing boycotts of Russia, Ecclestone says "it makes no sense" and will not change Russian President Vladimir Putin's mind about invading Ukraine.

"It does not make sense whichever way you look at," he told AFP by phone.

"There is no war in Russia to my knowledge so if it took place it would make no difference to anybody.

"It would not affect anyone at all.

"This idea of trying to punish Russia this way in a sporting sense is not going to punish (Russian President Vladimir) Putin at all."

Ecclestone, 91, said losing the Russian Grand Prix for this year was just a gesture and one that will do nothing to change Putin's mind.

"The race would not matter to him (Putin) or affect him adversely," said Ecclestone.

"What is he going to do, stop the invasion?

"It is all ridiculous, all these things they keep threatening to do. 'Oh we must do something to help' but they don't do anything but talk, as there is nothing anyone can do."

Russian F1 driver faces uncertain future

Ecclestone's comments follows news Russian driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to race in the British Grand Prix on his national license after Motorsport UK announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian drivers.

The move by Britain's motor racing federation follows an FIA decision that Russian and Belarusian drivers would be allowed to compete in a "neutral capacity" under an "FIA flag" following an extraordinary meeting of its World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).

By targeting the nationality of the licenses, Motorsport UK's decision will stop Russian and Belarusian drivers from racing in Britain, regardless of the flag they compete under.

"We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded," said Motorsport UK Chair David Richards, who attended Tuesday's WMSC meeting, in a statement.

"This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU)."

Motorsport UK said its decision was made in full consultation with the British Government and national sports governing bodies.

Mazepin, the only Russian on the Formula One grid, already faces an uncertain future after his American-owned Haas team removed all branding related to Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali on the final day of last week's Barcelona test.

Uralkali is owned by Mazepin's father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian's continued presence at the team is set to be decided this week.

with agencies

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