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Comment by aprilthird2021 | Hacker News Reader

aprilthird2021

I'm not into Formula 1, but they have a Grand Prix in Azerbaijan?? I would think after the whole Crimea-style annexation they would be persona non grata to the Western world, who I'm also thinking are some of the biggest sponsors, participants, and spectators of Formula 1.

Anyone know more about that? Just curious

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Azerbaijan is an ally of Turkey, whereas Armenia has historically been more aligned with Russia. As a result, the west (NATO) is fairly lenient with Azerbaijan when it comes to conflicts between the two countries, or is at least hesitant to intervene.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Azerbaijani_offensive_in_...

Thanks for the context. That's must be what I was missing

F1 isn't picky about it's partners and race locations.

I mean they raced in Russia until the war escalated in 2022, unbothered by the literal crimea annexation. They also race in Saudi Arabia with it's terrible human rights record. They even raced in 2022 when a huthi(?) rocket exploded not too far from the track. They have zero morales regarding such things, only sanctions can stop F1 from dealing with shady nations paying for some sportswashing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Jeddah_missile_attack

But, both your examples prove they do have morals about these things. They no longer race in Russia. And afaik, the West are big supporters of Saudis fight against the Houthis. Saudi also never annexed any land recently

They no longer race is Russia because it's no longer possible due to sanctions. Their hand was forced in this case.

The SA case just shows a complete disregard for the safety of everyone involved. Telling personnel to either perform as usual or be denied an exit visa is quite the statement.

Makes sense

Not really, they terminated the contract on February 24 immediately.

South Africa under apartheid - sporting sanctions were no issue for F1. I'm sure they didn't stop cigarette ads from a sense of morality. In fact anything deliberately associating itself with F1 is pretty suspect - maybe not everything but load your prior as you see fit.

I see google chrome ads on mclaren cars where it used to be marlboro... Oracle sponsor too. There's the list: https://formularapida.net/en/f1-2024-list-of-partners-sponso...

I enjoy F1, but let's be realistic about what it is and isn't.

Crimea style? Regardless of moral side under international law that land is Azerbaijan

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