The inaugural edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place in the historic port city of Jeddah on the Red Sea in December, but the event is already causing a stir. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been under fire due to human rights in the country, but Formula 1 was confident that racing in this country was possible. Now the organisation has also come up with clothing regulations in order to meet the standard in the country.
Resistance against Saudi Arabia
From the first day the race in Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed, there was a lot of resistance against the Grand Prix in Jeddah, with many solid arguments expressed by fans, media and not only. You only have to type Saudi Arabia on google and the results of Amnesty International come up taking into consideration the fact that human rights are not as we know them from Europe. Formula 1 explained, just like other sports like football, that coming here will help the country to improve.
That improvement is not immediately visible however, as the Spanish daily newspaper Marca reports that the organisation has imposed a dress code for the Grand Prix. Despite temperatures above thirty degrees it is forbidden for men and women to have translucent or open clothing. In other words, no skirts, dresses, bikinis, shorts, shirts, T-shirts or flip-flops, and that with these summer temperatures. Especially for mechanics it will be very sweaty during a pit stop. Shorts and T-shirt now have to be replaced by long pants and a sweater.
No make-up in Jeddah
The rules in the country are even more strict for women. Women are also forbidden to wear ‘excessive’ make-up. In addition, people are requested not to make any overly affectionate gestures and it is also not allowed to use rude language.
Visitors must behave in accordance with local customs, is the message from the organisation in Saudi Arabia. These rules also apply to visitors to the country and for the Grand Prix no exceptions are made for fans which would be willing to travel Saudi Arabia in order to watch the Formula 1 race from the stands.
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