'F1 can bring about change in countries with poor human rights'

Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali has said he is more than willing to withdraw races from countries with poor human rights records. Speaking to Sky Sports Domenicali claimed that for him there is no doubt on that issue.

Formula 1 has regularly been criticised in recent years over its choice to race in certain countries. Several countries on the Formula 1 calendar do not have the best history when it comes to human rights, women's rights or the equality of people from the LGBT community. Sky reporter Martin Brundle cited this in his interview with Domenicali and asked him if there was a limit from which Formula 1 will no longer host races in such a country.

"My view here is quite simple," Domenicali replied. "We do really care about this issue and we have also in our countries very clear articles that if we see something that is not going into the right direction we have immediately the benefit of stopping that relationship. We have independent auditors following that."

'Formula 1 can have a positive impact'

Nevertheless, Domenicali does not want to terminate such a cooperation too soon, because in his opinion, Formula 1 can actually contribute to improving the situation. "But I do believe that we are much more powerful if we are going in places where they are showing real will to change and the spotlight of Formula 1 will help the speed of change to be faster."

Domenicali was then asked if he would then therefore withdraw a race if he felt there was no improvement in the human rights situation in a host country. Domenicali left no doubt about his opinion. "The answer is very simple: yes," he said.