“In a way to support robust sanctions”– Mercedes boss Toto Wolff decides not to race in Russia

Tanish Chachra | 05/03/2022
"In a way to support robust sanctions"– Mercedes boss Toto Wolff decides not to race in Russia

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff openly declares that his team Mercedes will not race in Russia as they oppose Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has received massive condemnation from almost across the world. The whole globe is asking for peace in the region to be restored.

While a handful of nations aren’t openly opposing the Russian government. There are several nations that are willing to put on sanctions on them. Meanwhile, a lot of sports bodies are trying to bring in effect on Russia in their capacity.

Like F1, they decided to kill the Russian GP contract. To support that now Mercedes boss Toto Wolff while speaking on Bloomberg claimed that his team will not race in Russia.

“I am Austrian, and I am 100kms away from Ukraine border,” speaks Wolff. “Who would have thought that it’s possible to have a war in Europe. Formula 1 & sports general appear so minuscule in that context.”

“So, we have decided not to race in Russia, and I think F1 has given a robust statement in that relation aligned with any other industries in the world.”

Also read: Sebastian Vettel is lacking the ‘motivation’ to go about his daily life following the Russian war on Ukraine

Toto Wolff claims it’s tough to manage diversity amidst conflict

The Bloomberg reporter Matt Miller asks Wolff about the global diversity in F1 amidst the conflict. He wants to know how it affects the sport in this scenario.

“I think this is the overwhelming topic today. I think it allows us to reflect on all the annoyances that we have in the sport which are so much important than this.”

“We have Ukrainians and Russians in our team, certainly not easy for individuals that have families there. So, it’s been tough times, certainly from a personal perspective, having grown in Vienna, that come from a Slavic background. It’s very close to my heart what’s happening.”

Watch the whole video

What’s the status of Russian athletes in F1?

After the International Olympic Committee recommended that all sports associations should ban all Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international events.

The FIA being its member since 2013 had its suggestion on their desk. In response, the motorsport governing body decided to allow Russian drivers to perform but without the association of Russia.

However, the British motorsport council banned Russian participation for their all events. Meanwhile, Germany is also reported to have a similar policy, but Russian drivers can drive with licences from elsewhere.

Also read: Ex F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone shocks fans by justifying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s act of war on Ukraine

Post Edited By: Tanish Chachra
Mercedes Russia Toto Wolff Ukraine

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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