Max Verstappen, a driver for Red Bull Racing, acknowledged that politics is not his area of expertise when questioned about the accusations of sportswashing against Gulf countries hosting Formula 1. Sportswashing refers to the practice of countries with a known poor human rights record using sports events and promotions to improve their public image on a global scale. Qatar and Saudi Arabia, for instance, have recently been added to the F1 calendar, despite the fact that homosexuality remains illegal in both countries and Saudi Arabia only granted women the right to drive on public roads in 2018. Verstappen was asked for his opinion on these sportswashing allegations 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, particularly in front of a new and youthful 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 individuals may enjoy being in the midst of political discussions, Verstappen prefers to focus solely on his sport. He even humorously mentioned that if he had an interest in politics, he would have pursued a career as a politician. However, that is not his area of expertise nor where he envisions himself in the future. Verstappen concluded by acknowledging that every country has its own flaws and positive aspects.
In the realm of sports, our impact may not be revolutionary, but we strive to impart positive principles. It ultimately falls upon each nation to make constructive changes. Since our arrival in Saudi Arabia, we have witnessed some encouraging transformations, which deserve our respect. It is important to acknowledge that progress may take longer in certain countries. This positivity is truly inspiring and provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and education. Each corner of the globe 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 to work towards it.
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 the imperfections within the series when it comes to political matters. Recently, Formula 1 has faced scrutiny regarding fairness and inclusivity, particularly following an investigation into alleged misconduct by Christian Horner towards a female colleague. Although the allegations were dismissed by an independent King’s Counsel, a lack of transparency continues to cast a shadow over Red Bull and the entire Formula 1 community.
“We find ourselves in a challenging moment for our sport,” Leclerc admitted. “Our focus should be on promoting the positive values and there is still much work to be done in that regard, as we can see presently.” Despite the current perception of Formula 1 as a whole, Leclerc commended the drivers for embodying these positive principles and spreading a constructive message.
“I firmly believe that as 20 drivers, we exemplify good values, and it is crucial for us to continue visiting these countries in order to foster open-mindedness, create a better future, and inspire young individuals to pursue their dreams,” he affirmed. “Regardless, I still maintain that this endeavor is worthwhile.”