Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver, acknowledged that politics is not his area of expertise when questioned about the accusations of sports washing against Gulf countries hosting Formula 1. Sports washing refers to the practice of countries with a known history of human rights violations using sports events and promotions to improve their public image on a global scale. Qatar and Saudi Arabia, for example, have recently been added to the F1 calendar, despite the fact that homosexuality is still illegal in both countries and Saudi Arabia only granted women the right to drive on public roads in 2018. Verstappen was asked about his opinion on these accusations of sports washing during a post-race interview in Jeddah last week.
Verstappen expressed his belief that sports have the power to achieve great things worldwide. He emphasized the importance of competitiveness and performance, especially in front of a new and young audience. However, he made it clear that he and his fellow drivers are not involved in politics. Verstappen firmly stated that sports and politics should remain separate entities. While some people may enjoy being in the midst of political discussions, Verstappen prefers to focus solely on his sport. He even humorously mentioned that if he were interested in politics, he would have pursued a career as a politician. However, that is not his area of expertise nor where he sees himself in the future. Verstappen concluded by acknowledging that every country has its own flaws and positive aspects.
In the field of sports, our impact may not be revolutionary, but we strive to convey positive principles. Ultimately, it is up to each nation to make constructive changes. Since our arrival in Saudi Arabia, we have witnessed some encouraging transformations that deserve our respect. It is important to recognize that progress may take longer in certain countries. This positivity is truly inspiring and provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and education. Every corner of the world is unique, and it is essential to honor and appreciate these differences. However, no matter where we come from, there is always room for improvement, and we must continue working towards that.
Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, expressed that Formula 1 has a responsibility to convey the values of the sport and broaden horizons in certain countries. However, he also hinted at imperfections within the series when it comes to political issues. Recently, Formula 1 has come under scrutiny regarding fairness and inclusion, especially after an investigation into alleged misconduct by Christian Horner towards a female colleague. Although the accusations were dismissed by an Independent Advisor to the King, the lack of transparency continues to cast a shadow over Red Bull and the entire Formula 1 community.
“We find ourselves in a challenging time for our sport,” admitted Leclerc. “Our focus should be on promoting positive values and there is still much work to be done in that regard, as we can currently see.” Despite the current perception of Formula 1 as a whole, Leclerc praised the drivers for embodying these positive principles and spreading a constructive message.
“I firmly believe that, as 20 pilots, we exemplify good values, and it is crucial for us to continue visiting these countries to promote open-mindedness, create a better future, and inspire young people to pursue their dreams,” he said. “Regardless, I still maintain that this endeavor is worth it.”
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