George Russell says drivers put trust in F1 over human rights complaints
George Russell says that drivers want to see change when Formula One visits countries with human rights complaints, but place their trust in the sport’s managing body.
George Russell asked ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix about how the GDPA addresses human rights complaints against Formula One. (Clive Mason / Getty Images)
Speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Russell noted in his role as head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association that it was an important topic that had been discussed in meetings with Formula One officials.
“I think, first and foremost, as drivers, we put our trust in Formula 1 to help with these decisions,” said Russell.
“It's important that we do see change and I think change is happening. It obviously doesn't happen overnight.”
“It's obviously a very important topic with many places we go to, but I think Formula 1 and sport generally can have a really positive impact for the local culture and issues that that they're facing.”
“I hope we're here for the right reasons.”
Human rights in Qatar have been in the spotlight since the 2022 World Cup brought global attention to the country as well as the practice of sportswashing.
A report from the U.S. state department cites restrictions on free expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of association, as well as restrictions on migrant workers’ freedom of movement and reports of forced labour as some of the human rights issues in Qatar.
Formula 1 races in multiple countries with human rights issues, with a renewed global focus on attempts at sportswashing following investments from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund such as the merger of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and the 2021 purchase of English Premier League club Newcastle United F.C.
Human rights protests against Formula 1 culminated after the cancellation of the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix due to civil unrest, bringing attention to the sport’s role ahead of the 2012 event.
The sport has also faced complaints about expansion in the United States, especially during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 following the death of George Floyd and major protests over excessive use of force and racial injustice, as well as complaints over sexual and reproductive rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and criminalisation of abortion.
A missile and drone strike on a Saudi Aramco oil depot in Jeddah on the eve of the 2022 grand prix led to a crisis meeting between drivers, teams, and F1 officials. (File / Andrej Isakovic / AFP / Getty Images)
The most recent incident affecting Formula 1 was at the 2022 Jeddah grand prix when a Saudi Aramco depot was hit with a missile and drone attack on the Friday ahead of the grand prix, within close proximity to the circuit. The oil company is a major partner of the sport.
The race continued following a four-hour meeting between drivers, team bosses, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and local organisers, according to the BBC.
“Obviously, there were the obvious issues we had in Saudi Arabia last year where we were very united with our views and our thoughts,” said Russell.
“As I said, just globally, as drivers, we are putting our faith and trust in Formula 1.”
“I trust in Formula 1, I trust in Stefano and I do believe we're here for the right reasons and I do believe change will be happening over time.”
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