As the conclusion of 2022 season happened, Qatar has come under new scrutiny. Qatar has come under significant criticism in recent years for its human rights record, treatment of migrant construction workers, and its laws against the LGBTQ+ community. Despite this, F1 continues to race in Qatar (as well as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi) as part of a 10-year deal that will see an increase in events in this part of the globe. In light of these criticisms, Toto Wolff has come forward to say that Formula 1 cannot “hide away” from these social issues and that sport can help bring positive change.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Wolff said “Formula 1 goes to many places around the world and we have to acknowledge that some of those countries have a different approach when it comes to diversity – whether that is gender, race or sexual orientation.”
He continued, “We need to open up conversation because there is no escaping it and Formula 1 should not try to hide away from it. We are a sport that is very exposed globally and I think we need to use that platform to discuss these things because it can lead to change.”
Wolff also spoke about how he believes F1 can help bring about this change, saying “Sport has always been a great vehicle for social change because you go into communities and you talk about things that sometimes are considered taboo.”
Wolff says they should use the platform they have to help change the world in a positive way.
It is heartening to see someone in a position of power within Formula 1 speaking out about the social issues plaguing some of the countries where the sport races. Sport has always been a great tool for promoting social change and it is time for F1 to use its platform to effect some positive change in the world. Hopefully Wolff’s comments will lead to some real progress being made on these important issues.