Wolff: 'F1 cannot hide from social issues in Middle East'

Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 "cannot hide" from social issues in certain countries with races in the Middle East. The Mercedes team boss believes the sport can contribute to positive change.

Qatar is currently under fire for its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers in the construction of its stadiums, as well as for its laws against the LGBTQ+ community. F1 has already raced in the country and will also return for the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023.

Wolff finds it necessary to visit Middle East

Together with races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, this brings the total number of races in the Middle East to four. Wolff believes it is necessary for Formula 1 to use its voice to bring about positive change in these countries, but thinks that is already happening automatically to some extent as the situation comes under the spotlight.

There has been a lot of criticism about F1 visiting these countries, but Wolff thinks that precisely by visiting the countries "things can no longer be hidden". "That is the kind of positive that I think a sport can do. Things are being addressed," the Mercedes boss told Motorsport.com.

He stresses that while the cultural norms may not be like those in Europe, he does see change. According to Wolff, F1 as a sport cannot mean anything if it does not visit these countries and therefore feels that 'hiding' is not an option.