Four-time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel is not keen on racing in Saudi Arabia and dodged a few questions regarding the event.
The debut Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place next month and the country’s human rights issues have resulted in many organizations calling for F1 to not race there.
In a recent interview, Vettel replied with a curt ‘No’ to a question regarding his interest in racing in the Middle Eastern country.
“It’s wrong we go to certain places because if you had morals, then you would just say no,” Vettel said.
The Aston Martin Racing driver then steered clear of the question with a giggle, stating that it’s a new track.
“I don’t know. It’s a new track, so we will see,” said the 34-year-old.
The German believes that sportspersons can no longer duck away from causes that are dear to their heart and should look at the bigger picture relating to these causes.
Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have been at the forefront in standing up for what they believe in, most notably the battle against racism and homophobia. The German racer supported the LGBTQ community in Hungary with a “Same Love” t-shirt as well as a rainbow-themed helmet. Hamilton, at the recent Qatar Grand Prix, had a rainbow-colored helmet to promote equality and educate people.
Ahead of the race, Hamilton explained the reason for supporting the cause, and revealed that he wanted to take a stand for the final three races, all of which take place in the Middle East.
“For months now, I’ve been thinking about these last three races and the location. Trying to educate myself on also the issues that we are surrounded by here. They are not small; they are big issues. I’ve been trying to think, ‘what is it that I can do?’. I’m only one person; the sport and all the drivers together, and athletes, can do more,” said Hamilton.
F1 travels to Saudi Arabia next, the penultimate Grand Prix of the 2021 season, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Going into the final two rounds of the season, Hamilton has closed the gap to Max Verstappen at the top to just eight points following an emphatic win in Qatar. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing are separated by just five points. It’s all to play for in the Middle East and both Championships are still wide open.
