Leading lights say they care about human rights but there is no evidence that grand prix racing changes oppressive regimes
The drivers may be the stars of the show but when considering the fallout from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix they should have no illusions as to where they stand in the eyes of the people running Formula One. A sport which now declares its moral stance beyond judgment will have no fear of putting pay day before the men delivering the show on track.
There was clear distaste from some in even being in Saudi Arabia, expressed once more by Lewis Hamilton, who was blunt in noting at the end of the weekend that he was “just looking forward to getting out”. That statement that will sit uncomfortably with the Saudi ambition of selling their state as a destination for the post-oil future.
Written by Giles Richards
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2022/mar/30/formula-1-saudi-arabia-human-rights-sportwashing under the title “F1 claims to nurture positive change but clearly puts money before morals | Giles Richards”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
