Verstappen on sportswashing in Saudi Arabia: 'I am not a politician'

For years, Formula 1 has been criticised for racing in countries with somewhat poorer human rights records. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar have been accused of using Formula 1 to be seen in a better light. Several F1 drivers share their views on this phenomenon.

For several years now, several Formula 1 races have been held in the Middle East. There has been much criticism of F1 holding races in the countries there. This is because in these oil states, people's rights are quite poor. Mainly minorities, such as women and homosexuals, can suffer.

Verstappen, Perez and Leclerc on sportswashing

A phenomenon commonly used in such countries is 'sportswashing'. This is using a major sporting event, such as an F1 race, to enhance a country's reputation that has been tarnished by misconduct. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc sees racing in the Middle East mainly as an opportunity to convey positive norms and values in such places. "I think as a sport, and we've always said that, I think we need to bring the values of the sport in those countries in order to open the minds of people. Having said that, obviously we are in a very tricky moment for our sport. And I think, yes, we should focus on sharing the good values and there's a lot of work still for us to do on that, as we are seeing at the moment. But I will stay on the line that I believe that we are 20 drivers showing good values, the respect, and we need to keep going to those countries in order to hopefully open minds and for them to have a better future and also to inspire young people in order to follow their dream. And I still believe that this is a good thing anyway," the Monegasque said after the Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen agrees with Leclerc, although the Dutchman tries to stay far away from political issues. "I think with sport in general, I think there are a lot of things that you can achieve everywhere in the world. Of course, being competitive and performing here and showing to a new young crowd what we're doing. Of course, we are not into politics. That's a whole different story. And I think also it's very important that sport is sport, politics are politics. Sometimes people like to be in the middle of it. I prefer to just focus on sport. Otherwise, I would have been a politician. But that's not my expertise and definitely not where I want to end up as well. And at the end of the day, every single country has their own flaws, but also positive sides. And we are not going to change the world at the end of the day as a sport, but we try to share positive values. And then, of course, it's also up to the country to make positive changes. I do think that since we have been here already there have been some really nice positive changes and you have to respect that and sometimes you know it takes a bit longer in some countries but I think it's very positive and yeah it's great to see and also great to meet a new culture as well I think for everyone you know to get educated on that as well, because everyone is a little bit different around the world wherever you go, and you have to respect that as well. But then, of course, also, wherever you're from, your country, there are always things that can be done better, right? So it's a work in progress in general."

Sergio Perez also sees racing in Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to push the country towards improvement. "I think Formula 1 itself, it's a great platform that gives an opportunity to new countries to expose yourself and you know that the whole world is watching you once you are in Formula One. So I think that's really, really good. It's a very nice opportunity for all these new countries that are coming into the sport. and I think as a product we are very unique. I think you have 20 drivers, different nationalities, great sportsmen with great values and it's something that I think just helps all those countries to be able to show themselves and try to keep improving and keep evolving, as the world is, I think. As always, every country can be better, but it's always important to be able to give back to the people."