This season's Russian competition of Formula One (F1), the world's top motorsport competition, has been canceled due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The World Automobile Federation (FIA), the organizer of F1, issued a statement and announced that it would not hold the Russian Grand Prix of the F1 World Championship this season.
The Russian Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on September 25 at the Autodrome in Sochi, Russia.
The FIA discussed with officials from the F1 participating teams and agreed to cancel the Russian competition.
The FIA explained, "F1 is a sport that tours circuits around the world and unites people and countries with a positive vision."
"The situation in Ukraine is very sad and shocking, and we hope that a peaceful solution will be found," he said.
Drivers also welcomed the decision.
McLaren's Lando Norris (UK) wrote on social media that it was "a very good decision" and "I don't want to go to Russia at this point to play. It's very sad to see innocent people dying."
Williams' Alexander Albon (UK) also wrote that "we're going in the right direction" and that "there are more important things in the world than racing."
Meanwhile, F1 Team Haas has decided to remove the logo of the Russian sponsor it signed with at the end of last season from vehicles, equipment and uniforms.
The sponsor is owned by Dmitry Mazepine, father of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, who is known to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.