Formula 1 lands in Azerbaijan, a fascinating and unusual country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which celebrates an event that brings it into the global spotlight, even though economically it has long been prominent for its oil and gas reserves (there is a pipeline that reaches the province of Lecce), with related implications. It was in Baku, for example, that Sergio Marchionne began his managerial career, right after graduating.
Talking about Azerbaijan means entering the field of many emotions that the Grand Prix has offered. But it should not be forgotten that the country has long been at war with Armenia over an ancient dispute concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In October 2020, a missile attack hit strategic centers in Azerbaijan. And today? Diplomatic sources assure that the situation has normalized and there is no danger.
We are all powerless witnesses to what is happening both in Ukraine and in the Middle East due to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. On September 9, for example, Israeli missiles fell in Doha, in an area where a Hamas delegation was present. Qatar finances Hamas, in addition to hosting a U.S. military base. This highly ambiguous situation was highlighted by Netanyahu: “Qatar finances Hamas, and every action of ours is justified.”
The word “action” spoken by the Israeli prime minister sends chills through the world. But not in the Formula 1 environment, which, as if nothing happened, will face the penultimate round of the championship on November 30 at the Losail circuit, just a few steps from Doha. How? With what precautions, with what safety margins? Total silence. Liberty Media and the constructors remain silent, after quickly forgetting the missiles that fell 15 kilometers from Jeddah during the 2022 Grand Prix days. Autosprint dedicated a clear analysis by Stefano Tamburini on what is happening and on the silence of those who should at least worry, warn, examine, given that sport has always been an amplifier of political events.
Some note how F1 has always overlooked serious issues, such as apartheid at the highest level in South Africa during the Kyalami Grand Prix years, and did not react to the Argentine tragedy, when the cars raced near the barracks where the desaparecidos were held. But those were different times; it was easier to filter and manipulate news and events. Today it is not like that. Yet nothing seems to have changed.
There is only one voice – one! – that has spoken out about what is happening in Palestine. Lewis Hamilton, in a statement on the Gaza tragedy, said, “we cannot stand by and let this continue,” before launching a heartfelt appeal for funds to help the Palestinians.
Lewis did not mention the Qatar Grand Prix, but there is no doubt that in Baku he will speak with Stefano Domenicali and those who manage F1, for better or worse. Hopefully, other influential drivers will join Hamilton, many of whom are mainly focused on sending empty, trivial messages on social channels when perhaps, in delicate moments like this, attention should be given to more meaningful issues.
It is not an easy situation for Liberty Media (an American company) to handle, considering the enormous business that surrounds F1 in the Middle East. But it could be an opportunity to take a stand, to send a strong message at a time when people – and young fans, including the multitude who love the Grand Prix – need points of reference, credible opinions, and moments of reflection, instead of temporary ambiguity. Because we are talking about something far more important than F1, which could nevertheless leave an indelible mark on the image and reputation of Formula 1 itself.
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