Incident in Bahrain sparks inclusivity debate

Formula 1 is trying to be as inclusive as possible. Despite this intention, the sport does race in countries where inclusivity and diversity are less obvious. An incident took place during the test days in Bahrain.

Formula 1 has shown that it wants to be more inclusive with several initiatives. Lewis Hamilton is often at the forefront of these actions. He recently stated that it will be a priority of his when he moves to Ferrari in 2025. In countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, inclusivity is still a difficult subject. Formula 1 has made agreements with Bahrain in order to still be able to express the somewhat more 'Western' ideas in those countries.

Incident in Bahrain

This agreement was broken during the Bahrain test days. The Bild reports that an incident took place in which Formula 1 staff were told not to carry LGTB-style rainbow flags on their clothes or bags. This is in violation of previously stated agreements.

A spokesperson for Liberty Media says the incident was quickly addressed and is being resolved. A spokesperson for the Bahrain circuit stressed that the circuit is against any form of discrimination and that the incident is being investigated.