How Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali assesses the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia and its future, and what the country itself thinks of its race weekend
Formula 1 has received a lot of criticism for its race weekend in Saudi Arabia in 2022. Even more so after a projectile explosion occurred not far from the track in Jeddah on Friday. A boycott of the Grand Prix by the drivers was then mooted, but the race went ahead anyway. And Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali does not question the venue for the future either.
The Italian explained in an interview with ‘Sky’ that one must not be blinded by the events, but must “distinguish between emotion and rationality”.
In addition, Formula 1 attaches great importance to the safety of all involved. This has “absolute priority for us, no question about it”, says Domenicali. And: “We were assured [in Saudi Arabia] that everything was under control. And we have to rely on that. “
Domenicali recognises progress on human rights
However, security is just one of many issues that Formula One has to face in Saudi Arabia. Or: could face. Because a good two weeks before the Grand Prix in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia carried out a mass execution and generally doesn’t take human rights too seriously.
How does Formula 1 react to this? “We are not blind,” says Domenicali, “but one must not forget: This country has also made a huge step forward through Formula 1 and sport. And you can’t assume you can change a thousand-year-old culture in the blink of an eye. “
He said he already recognises great progress in Saudi Arabia. For example, “A few years ago, women [there] weren’t even allowed to drive. Laws are being rewritten so that can happen now. “
Formula 1 “doesn’t want to be political “
But even Domenicali admits: “Of course there are tensions and things that need to be better. I think: we play a very important role in the modernisation of the country and of course we focus on [these issues] being central in our agenda.” Postscript: “But we don’t want to be political there.”
And Saudi Arabia? The kingdom is basically willing to talk – about the status of the race and the situation in the country, as sports minister Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal explains: “We are open to feedback and concerns because we are there to be the best possible host for Formula One.”
Of course, he said, his nation was pursuing a purpose in hosting the Grand Prix. They had sealed a long-term partnership with Formula 1 “for reasons”, Al Faisal said. “Because we can see where we are going: We want to grow with Formula 1. “
“We know the importance of Formula 1 and we want to become part of the international community. We want to be a dot on the map. And everyone should be able to come to Saudi Arabia and feel the same way they feel anywhere else in the world. “
Saudi Arabia: security threat elsewhere too
This hope was not fulfilled at the 2022 Jeddah race weekend: Many in the Formula One paddock had security concerns, but Al Faisal appeased: “Such problems” as Saudi Arabia has with terrorist attacks “unfortunately happen everywhere in the world. We have to deal with them in the best possible way,” he explains.
In the specific case after the explosion on Friday, the handling consisted of assuring that there was no cause for alarm at all. The security services had the situation under control at all times.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia was doing everything to present itself as a modern country. “We were always accused of exclusion,” says Al-Faisal. “But: the first tourist visas were issued for Formula E. And all of a sudden you can get our visa very easily, where before it was incredibly difficult. “
The Kingdom feels misunderstood
However, his country is often misunderstood: “We tell the world to visit us and get to know us. But now we are denounced for opening up too much, going way too fast and so on.”
But what is happening in Saudi Arabia, he says, is in line with the will of the people. Al Faisal says: “The people want it. If the people didn’t want it, [there would be no movement]. But people want it because they are on social media and see what other countries have. “
Saudi Arabia is a “young nation” – the kingdom has existed since 1932 – and is “learning” and making constant progress. “But we still have a lot of development work to do, a lot of things to adapt, a lot of things to work towards,” says Al Faisal.
Saudi Arabia is a “young nation”.
Saudi Arabia: Things are happening after all!
His conclusion: “Things are changing. Today men and women work together everywhere in the Kingdom, even in ministries. And before [women] weren’t even allowed in public places. All that is changing.”
“Some of it is changing very quickly, some of it takes time. But we are here to listen, to talk, to discuss. We want to make progress and make Saudi Arabia a better place.”
Al Faisal can thus only partially refute the accusation of so-called sportswashing, the buying of major sporting events to enhance their image.