Formula 1 Cancels Russian Grand Prix After Government's Invasion of Ukraine

Formula 1 announced Friday the Russian Grand Prix, which was scheduled to take place Sept. 25, can't be held under the "current circumstances."

The statement comes after Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine on Thursday.

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel said Thursday he was "shocked" by the Russian invasion of its western neighbor and would boycott the Russian GP if it was held.

"I should not go, I will not go. It is wrong to race in the country," Vettel told reporters. "I am sorry for the innocent people who are being killed for stupid reasons."

Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, added: "When a country is at war, it is not right to race there."

The sport's governing body had stated Thursday it was "closely watching the very fluid developments" in Ukraine before making a decision about September's race.

CNN reported U.S. intelligence officials are "concerned that Kyiv could fall under Russian control within days" after a battle for the country's capital city began Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday any outside party that attempts to intervene would suffer "such consequences as you have never experienced in your history."

U.S. President Joe Biden announced sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but confirmed he wouldn't send American troops to fight in the country.

The Russian Grand Prix, which originated with a two-year run beginning in 1913, returned a century later in 2014.

This year's race was scheduled to take place at the Sochi Autodrom for the final time before the event returns to its roots in St. Petersburg in 2023.