British peer slams F1 chief Domenicali’s “arrogance”
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has been accused of “arrogance, lack of professionalism and non-engagement” by a member of the House of Lords for allegedly failing to respond to concerns over the championship racing in countries with poor human rights records. Liberal Democrat peer Lord Scriven called a ‘sportswashing’ debate in the chamber last week, a measure he thought necessary given Domenicali’s lack of communication.
Scriven claims he has contacted series chiefs, including on two occasions in the past month alone, but has had nothing in return since 2018. F1 disputes this, telling Autosport that they have replied within the past 12 months. Still, Scriven added that Domenicali’s “leadership of F1 is damaging the reputation of his sport, as he refuses to engage with the issues around F1 and human rights. He thinks he can just receive the reported £574million from the Bahrain authorities up to 2036 that makes him and his organisation richer, while having nothing to do with the real issues that his sport is helping to cloak in Bahrain.”
In a statement supplied to Autosport, F1 commented: “For decades Formula 1 has worked hard be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits. Sports like Formula 1 are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement. We take our responsibilities on rights very seriously and set high ethical standards for counterparties and those in our supply chain, which are enshrined in contracts, and we pay close attention to their adherence.”