Sebastian Vettel vows not to race at Russian Grand Prix after Ukraine invasion

Sebastian Vettel has said he will refuse to race at this year's Russian Grand Prix after the country launched a “large-scale invasion” of Ukraine.

The race, which has been on the Formula One calender since 2014, is scheduled to take place on September 25.

But there have now been calls for the race to be scrapped after blasts were heard and seen across widespread regions of Ukraine.

Four-time world champion Vettel is the latest to send a strong message to F1 bosses over the race.

Vettel has won four world championships in his F1 career
Singapore Grand Prix/Reuters

"I think as GPDA we haven't spoken on the subject so I can't speak on behalf of the GPDA," Vettel said at a press conference during pre-season testing on Thursday.

"In my personal opinion, I woke up to this morning's news, shocked, so I don't know. I think it's horrible to see what is happening.

"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.

"I'm sorry for the people, innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership.

"I'm sure it's something that we will talk about, but personally I'm just so shocked and sad to see what is going on. So we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made."

Meanwhile an F1 spokesperson added: "Formula One is closely watching the very fluid developments like many others and at this time has no further comment on the race scheduled for September.

"We will continue to monitor the situation very closely."