Lewis Hamilton rejects F1’s claims of having a positive impact on Human Rights issues in repressive regimes ahead of Bahrain GP
Lewis Hamilton's recent comments have sparked a heated discussion around F1's commitment to human rights.
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Stefano Domincali and Lewis Hamilton (cedits: Eurosport)
The 2023 Formula One season is about to kick off, and the issue of human rights takes center stage. One of the sport’s biggest names, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has called on F1 to prioritize human rights in countries where it races. Hamilton’s sentiments are echoed by a group of cross-party MPs from England who are demanding an independent inquiry into F1’s activities in countries with poor human rights records.
Despite F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali claiming the sport’s commitment to improving conditions in such countries, human rights groups have argued otherwise. They claim that repression has increased since F1 began competing in Bahrain. Lord Scriven, the vice-chair of the all-party UK parliamentary group on human rights and democracy in the Gulf, has echoed these sentiments and called for F1 to take tangible steps to improve its operations in relation to human rights.
Hamilton, who has previously voiced his concerns about human rights time and again, has emphasized the need for F1 to use its presence in countries with poor human rights records to raise awareness of human rights issues and leave a positive impact. He has called on F1 teams and high-ranking officials to take greater responsibility and address concerns such as sports washing. The Briton highlighted that addressing these concerns was not extreme or radical, but a basic expectation of any sporting organization that prioritizes moral leadership in its governance. He said, “I can’t say whether or not I know if it has got worse but I am not sure it has got better while we have been coming all these years,”.
The decision by F1 to hold races in countries with poor human rights records has been a subject of a long ongoing debate. Human rights groups have criticized F1’s decision to host races in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, arguing that the sport prioritizes financial gain over taking a stand on human rights.
F1 insists that they are committed to improving human rights conditions
In response to these criticisms, Domenicali has stated that F1 is committed to being present in these countries to monitor the situation and engage with authorities to improve conditions. However, Hamilton’s comments have highlighted the need for F1 to take greater action and ensure that its presence in these countries is leading to positive change.
“F1 is much stronger to do what we are doing because we are there, to be there to monitor what they are doing,” says the CEO of F1. “I truly believe in keeping the pressure in the right way, because what I have learned is that if you want to be respected by people who think differently from you, the best way is not to shout at them.”
As the season progresses, F1 must live up to its commitment to upholding human rights. The sport must take concrete steps to address concerns raised by human rights groups, as well as the calls for greater transparency and accountability made by Hamilton and other high-profile figures. F1 must not forget that its actions have consequences, and it has a responsibility to ensure that it is not complicit in human rights abuses.
In the words of Domenicali, ““F1 is much stronger to do what we are doing because we are there, to be there to monitor what they are doing” . F1 must ensure that its presence in countries with poor human rights records is not just symbolic but leads to tangible improvements in human rights conditions. With the testing done, the teams and drivers will be hoping for a great season ahead. Hamilton will be aiming to win the record-breaking eighth championship, but from what the reports suggest, it is Red Bull that is the favorite for the win.
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