In 2021, a new stage will be included in the Formula 1 calendar for the first time - the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

So far, we only know that the race will take place in the dark and will probably be the penultimate of the season.

It will be accepted by the city circuit in Jeddah.

It is also reported that the contract with the local federation of auto and motor sports was concluded for 10 years.

The news about the emergence of a new stage was made public against the backdrop of the dissatisfaction of several international human rights organizations at once.

According to their representatives, the Saudi Arabian authorities are using sports to “whitewash” their reputation and distract public attention from numerous human rights violations.

“Did Formula 1 employees, in negotiations with the Saudi Arabian authorities, try to call for the release of activists whose only crime was to fight for women's right to drive?

Fans, media and teams should seize this moment to say their sport should not be associated with such grave human rights violations, ”Human Rights Watch spokeswoman Minky Warden quoted The Guardian as saying.

Amnesty International also raised concerns about this decision.

One of the leaders of his British branch, Felix Jakens, also recalled the fate of the arrested activists.

“The leadership of Saudi Arabia jails, expels and silences critics of the authorities.

Saudi Arabia has adopted a two-faced approach - it violates human rights and at the same time wastes huge sums of money on high-profile sporting events, ”Jakens said.

the Sportswashing bandwagon rolls on (a bit faster this time) https://t.co/R6a3xqyRO0

- felix jakens (@felixjakens) November 5, 2020

Formula 1 executives responded to activists' discontent.

They assured that they take human rights issues seriously and demand the same from all organizers during the stages.

“Sports like Formula 1 do everything they can to transcend boundaries and cultural differences, to bring countries and communities together and share the passion and love for incredible competition and achievement together,” Autosport.com quotes the statement.

Meanwhile, the significance of the debut of the royal races in Saudi Arabia was noted by the Minister of Sports Abdul-Aziz bin Turki Al Saud.

“Saudi Arabia has been criticized for being closed off from the world, and now that we have opened, we are being criticized for using sports to whitewash our reputation.

The dream of many people in the country will come true.

This is a very special moment.

We will show the world our capabilities ”, - quoted by the BBC.

Information that Saudi Arabia may accept the stage next year appeared back in January.

In the fall, the media reported that the stage will definitely be included in the calendar of the 2021 season, and the team leaders have already familiarized themselves with the corresponding plan.

Amnesty International criticized this decision a few days ago.

“Despite the fanfare with which women in Saudi Arabia have finally been allowed to drive without fear of being imprisoned, the authorities recently arrested and tortured several prominent women's rights activists,” Jakens said.

In addition, the organization called on team leaders and pilots themselves to respond, including Lewis Hamilton, who actively opposes inequality and discrimination.

The Briton refused to comment on the situation, citing the fact that he first needs to study this issue.

Contrary to warnings from activists, some functionaries expressed confidence that the royal race would have a fruitful impact on Saudi Arabia.

“I think any sport in any situation is always good.

Sport always carries a positive message.

This is how we should view it.

We just have to realize that we can make a difference.

And this is very important, ”said the head of Ferrari Mattia Binotto.

The head of Mercedes Toto Wolff adheres to a similar position.

At the same time, the head of Red Bull Christian Horner said that the teams should not evaluate the feasibility of including in the calendar of this or that stage, as this task is dealt with by the leadership of Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

“We are not a political organization.

Sport should not be associated with politics.

Therefore, we trust the motorsport leaders and their decisions and will compete and show the best results where they decide to race, ”Horner said.

It is worth noting that some time ago, activists opposed the sale of the English Premier League (Premier League) team, Newcastle United, to an investment fund owned by the Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

They expressed the opinion that if the tournament management approved the deal, it could negatively affect its reputation.

As a result, the purchase never took place.