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“We understand that this can be very complicated for him”- Amnesty expects Max Verstappen to speak against human rights violations in Saudi Arabia amidst first race in middle-east nation

Tanish Chachra
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"We understand that this can be very complicated for him"- Amnesty expects Max Verstappen to speak against human rights violations in Saudi Arabia amidst first race in middle-east nation

Max Verstappen, among the biggest names in F1 right now, is being urged by Amnesty to speak against the atrocities of Saudi Arabia.

For a long time, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been gaining criticism for F1 dealing with a state like Saudi Arabia, which is alleged to do several human rights violations.

Amnesty, which has also involved itself in scrutinizing F1, has now asked Max Verstappen to raise his voice against Saud Arabia. Though, they’ve also asked that it might be a complicated task for the Dutchman.

“We understand that Max has a very busy schedule. Another Formula 1 race in Saudi Arabia is scheduled for March next year. So the invitation still stands. He is welcome to call us or come by. We understand that this can be very complicated for him.”

“The human rights situation is a major problem in Saudi Arabia,” Floor Beuming from Amnesty. “It is also a sensitive one. He may not know much about that. But if you’re well informed, it’s not that complicated.”

“Our appeal applies to all drivers: speak up. By speaking out as a top athlete, you can have an impact. The Saudi authorities are sensitive to that.”

Also read: Red Bull boss Christian Horner shares his concerns over the ‘insanely’ high speed layout of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit

F1 drivers pawns for sportswashing

Further, the human rights group insisted that F1 drivers shouldn’t resist talking about such autocratic states, as events like these are an attempt to glorify such countries. Many middle-east regimes have invested in several sports to achieve that.

“Countries like Saudi Arabia are very sensitive when it comes to their international reputation,” said Dagmar Oudshoorn, director of Amnesty International Netherlands. “That’s why they want to receive such an international spectacle as Formula 1. This is about prestige and image.”

“Of course it was not the choice of Verstappen and the other drivers to race in Saudi Arabia,” said Beuming. “But if they follow the news a bit, then they know something about the human rights situation there.”

“There will undoubtedly be questions about this at press conferences. If you are then aware of the situation and well informed, you can have an impact with your words. As far as we are concerned, that responsibility lies not only with Max, but with all drivers.” 

“As the Dutch branch of Amnesty, we have sent him a letter specifically. Hopefully he will do something with it. Drivers with such esteem as Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton can counterbalance the image that Saudi Arabia is trying to create,” says Beuming.

Also read: Saudi’s Prince Khalid defends Saudi Arabia’s outlook on ‘modest clothing’ and other criticisms over human rights issues

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra

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Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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