“Ignoring Human Rights”: FIA President’s Comment on Horrific Shootout at Baja Rally Event Triggers Backlash as Fans Question FIA’s Priorities

A gruesome incident of gun violence has gripped the state of Baja California in Mexico. The Ensenada region was hosting an off-road rally when a gunfight ensued. The incident claimed 10 lives and has caused a huge uproar. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his condolences over the sad news but fans are having none of it.

FIA has often come under fire over its questionable decisions. The issue of jeopardizing drivers’ and crew’s safety is one of the biggest reasons behind it. One does not need to go too far behind. Just last year, ahead of the race in Jeddah, on Friday, a missile attack merely 12 miles away from the circuit created a scary situation. Drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, called for the cancellation of the race. However, the ruling body went ahead with it.

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Similarly, fans have raised their voice against F1 holding races in countries accused of incidents of human rights violations. Middle-eastern host countries have often faced accusations of using extravagant sporting events as a tool to whitewash their messy image. Mexico has a history of gun violence among drug cartels as well. To this day, gangs often fight in the streets, oftentimes coming face-to-face with security agencies as well.

In the Baja rally event as well, reports suggested that violence took place between organized crime groups. Members of the army, navy, and the local state police attended the event too.

Reacting to the incident on Twitter, Ben Sulayem wrote, “I am horrified by the reports of an appalling attack at the Baja California Rally in Mexico. Motor sport events should be safe places for participants and spectators. On behalf of the whole FIA family our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this senseless violence.”

Fans, however, were far from happy with the response of the FIA boss. Take a look at how they reacted to Ben Sulayem’s statement on Twitter.

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Do you think F1 and the FIA will jointly take a stance against this incident by canceling the Mexican GP this year? Or will they once again ignore it by risking the lives of the driver and the workers?