The past year and two months in Northern Africa and the Middle East have been very well documented as millions protested and continue to protest for democracy and improved human rights. These event would seem as far as possible from the world of racing, but this week the racing world will become immersed in the situation. Formula One heads to the Kingdom of Bahrain this weekend, a nation where the protest are ongoing and the changes have been far less than those in other nations such as Libya and Egypt. King Hamad is still in charge of the island nation, even though the oppressed Shiite majority has been calling for his removal for months. Thousands have been arrested, a few protesters have been killed and the most notable activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja has been on a hunger strike for (as of Tuesday) 69 days.
The Bahrain International Circuit was built by the same government that is being called to be ousted. Sports and politics cannot be separated this time. The teams have expressed concern over the grand prix taking place and I think they are right to do so. They are entering a country where it seems the majority does not want the race to take place. I believe cancelling the Grand Prix last year was the correct thing to do but choosing to go ahead with this year's race is wrong.
Formula One leadership shows greediness and lack of humility with their decision. Bahrain does not have to happen. It has world champions Damon Hill (against the grand prix) and Jackie Stewart (for the grand prix) playing "what if" situations and wondering what would be best for the Kingdom of Bahrain. In my eyes, supporting what is right for the human beings suffering is the correct thing to do. The grand prix is going to happen, will there be any disturbances? Maybe not. Will a riot break out at the track? It's hard to imagine but you never know. As I said before, Bahrain doesn't have to happen and there are plenty of other tracks suited to host a Formula One race tomorrow if needed. Magny-Cours, Imola, Paul Richard, Nürburgring and Jerez could all host a grand prix if needed to, but in the past decade Formula One has showed it does not necessarily care about where the fans are but where the money is instead.
I hope the teams, as much as they don't want to be there, can bring awareness to the situation in the country and can win the support of the Bahraini people by coming out and making a political statement by supporting the protesters in their fight for democracy. This would definitely send the right message.
