F1: The domino effect? Tunisia, Egypt, F1…

Off to form a government. Photo: Mercedes GP

Apparently, to the people of Bahrain, democracy is more important than racing.  Rightfully so.  The organizers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have announced the cancellation of the opening round of the F1 season on March 13, 2011.  The FIA has accepted the organizers’ decision as being in the best interests of Bahrain.

This is not a political blog, but we’re left a bit speechless by the whole turn of events.  First, Bahrain’s ruling family – the same royals who stand on the podium with drivers after a grand prix – allowed security forces to fire on protesters.  Seems rather against the whole spirit of global sport etc.  We’re no less astonished at the speed with which the Crown Prince of Bahrain called for dialogue with demonstrators.  Perhaps sensing what happened in Tunisia and Egypt, the Al-Khalifa family is wisely seeking a third way.

Regardless, Bahrain is in no condition to host a world championship event.  Its political institutions are wobbling and tensions are high.  The Bahraini monarchy would do better to avoid any further media attention.  Imagine the political statement that could be made through an attack on F1.  Not what the sponsors signed up for….

For now, anyway, it seems that the Bahraini people have more important things to do…

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