Formula 1: FIA willing to overlook serious human rights violations

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are set to face off in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for the Formula 1 championship, but the FIA’s choice of host nations throughout the season reveals their willingness to ignore human rights concerns.

Last week’s first race weekend at Jeddah Street Circuit in Saudi Arabia saw chaos and drama on the track, on the pit wall, and in Formula 1 race director Michael Masi’s office.

That trip is sandwiched between a visit to Qatar and a drive of about 1,000 kilometers east to the United Arab Emirates for this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Formula 1 has raced in Russia since 2014 and China from 2004 until COVID-19 pandemic-related cancellations the last two years. Bahrain has hosted a Formula 1 weekend every year since 2004.

All of these nations except Qatar have events on the calendar for 2022, but Formula 1 will be back in Qatar for 10 years starting in 2023.

This means five of 23 events in 2022 will be run in nations that are among the world’s worst in terms of human rights violations.

Azerbaijan and Singapore will also host races next season, meaning that roughly one-third of the calendar will be run in places that should present ethical quandaries for FIA organizers, but clearly do not. FIA director Jean Todt has said so explicitly, telling CNBC that “Motorsport has not to be used as a political platform.”

The list of atrocities these countries are committing is long, disturbing, and well-publicized. I understand that the FIA is a corporation and is making decisions based on financial considerations, but their refusal to discuss or acknowledge these issues leaves the burden to groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international – and the drivers.

Fortunately, two of Formula 1’s most respected veterans have taken that burden on willingly. Lewis Hamilton wore a pride flag on his helmet to protest Saudi Arabia’s anti-LGBTQ policies, and Sebastian Vettel hosted a karting event for young women during the week prior to the race in Jeddah.

The FIA certainly has plenty of ethically acceptable venues from which to choose. Mugello was popular with drivers and fans in its role as a COVID-19 fill-in site in 2020. Portimao is off the calendar for 2022 after serving as an excellent replacement for pandemic-related cancellations the last two years.

And I think teams and fans alike would be thrilled about the prospects of a Suzuka-Fuji doubleheader.

Next year’s Miami Grand Prix should further boost interest in the United States and spark the addition of a third U.S. stop soon, and I’m sure there are a number of U.S. cities that would love to host a street race – San Francisco Grand Prix, anyone?

The FIA needs to come to the reckoning that its silence on these issues and these nations’ continued placement on the calendar is equal to endorsement of the worst kinds of human rights violations.

Formula 1 may have a seemingly captive audience, but if the drivers continue to speak out and act against these crimes, maybe fan awareness can prompt some changes. And in an ideal world, the loss of FIA millions might actually be the incentive some of these countries need to rethink how they administer justice.

The most noble thing sports can do is inspire social progress. As one of the world’s premier international sporting organizations, the FIA has a duty to take the lead and not hide behind the balance sheet.