Accusations of Formula 1 'sportswashing' with Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The Evening Standard reported on accusations of Formula 1 ‘sportswashing’ Saudi Arabia by hosting a Grand Prix in the country.

Reprieve director Maya Foa said: “Stefano Domenicali says Saudi Arabia is headed in the right direction when the kingdom is on track to execute almost 500 people this year, more than twice as ever before.

“By racing there so soon after a mass execution, Formula 1 is signalling there will be no consequences for executing people who took part in pro-democracy protests. The 10-year deal F1 has just signed with the kingdom is effectively a contract to sportswash Mohammed bin Salman’s blood-soaked regime.”

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