Ferrari F1 team driver Carlos Sainz has called for war to stop and peace to prevail
Carlos Sainz is one of the many members of the F1 community to express solidarity with Ukraine. Sainz has put up a tweet asking for peace and freedom of Ukrainian citizens. Sainz is seen standing with fellow F1 drivers wearing a white costume with “No War” inscribed on it.
In front of the drivers, we see a poster and the national flag of Ukraine. The picture is from Bahrain where all F1 teams and players are currently undergoing their second pre-season test running sessions.
This is not the first occasion that Carlos Sainz has publicly voiced his opinion on the Ukraine crisis. Last week, the Ferrari driver put up an Instagram story expressing support for the people of Ukraine. He wrote, “I’m closely following what is happening in Ukraine and it’s horrifying to see something like this happening nowadays, whether it’s here or in any other part of the world. I hope this conflict comes to an end as soon as possible. All my thoughts are with Ukraine and it’s people. Innocent civilians are losing their lives and I’m praying for all this suffering to end immediately.”
How has the rest of the F1 community reacted to the Ukraine crisis?
FIA and F1 have already banned Russia and Belarus from hosting races for an indefinite period. The Sochi Grand Prix has been removed from the F1 calendar. Russian and Belarusian drivers have been barred from racing under their national flags although they will be allowed to participate under a neutral banner. Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian driver in F1 has been sacked by Haas and the US-based team has also dropped the branding of their Russian sponsors, Uralkali. Motorsport UK has announced that they won’t recognise the driving license of Russia and Belarus.
When it comes to drivers themselves, Sainz is not alone. Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and others have publicly condemned the invasion by Russia and expressed solidarity with Ukrainian citizens. Vettel, a 4-time F1 champion had asked for the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix long before the official announcement was made.
He said, “My own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in that country. I’m sorry for the people, innocent people who are losing their lives, getting killed for stupid reasons under a very strange and mad leadership.” The German further added, “I woke up again after this morning’s news. I think it’s horrible to see what is happening.”
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Ukraine and its people.
More F1 News
- Lewis Hamilton doesn’t support IOC’s decision on Black Lives Matter gear during Olympics
- Max Verstappen left surprised as he reaches 100 race milestone with Red Bull
- Damon Hill left in awe after Lewis Hamilton racks up 100 poles in F1 ahead of 2021 Spanish GP
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates