It wasn't long ago when Lewis Hamilton became a victim of racist remarks of a few Spanish fanatics in Circuit de Catalunya. During the height of the scandal, the FIA took a strong stance against such abuse by pressuring the local organizers to deal with the matter and prevent future racist acts. If the Spanish Organizers failed to do so, then Spain risked losing one of its Formula 1 events in this year's calendar: either the Spanish GP in Circuit de Catalunya or the European GP in Valencia.
The FIA made it clear that the sport of Formula 1 had no place for any sort of racial abuse.
Unfortunately for the FIA, its president, Max Mosley is now caught up in an even more sensitive racist scandal. Caught by a hidden camera, Max Mosley was allegedly seen engaging in a Nazi role playing orgy session with five prostitutes in a London Apartment.
The whole allegation is controversial enough. But when you consider Max Mosley's father, Oswald Mosley, who according to the Times of London was the former leader of the BUF (British Union of Fascists) and whose wedding was attended by no less than Adolf Hitler, the scandal becomes outrageously shocking and ridiculously tabloid friendly.
Indeed, even passing comments from leading Formula 1 figures like triple champion Sir Jackie Stewart, 1979 champion Jody Scheckter and Martin Brundle as well as various Jewish groups show the ever-increasing pressure hounding the FIA President.
What does this news contribute toFormula 1? According to Formula 1 chief Bernie Eccelstone, nothing really. He downplayed the issue by telling The Times that the news should not affect the sport because the report was about a personal matter: "Assuming it's all true, whatever people do privately is up to them."
But then again, any issue involving the FIA president DOES affect the sport. As an organization that took such a strong stance against the racial acts in Spain just a few months ago, such controversy is like a slap on the governing body's integrity. A damaged reputation limits the organization's influence in monitoring the events in the sport.
Regardless of the fact that such is a private matter, or if whether or not the whole session was 'just a joke', such a tactless act merits no acceptable excuse. People in positions of power have to be more careful and mindful on what they do and say because their actions resonate and affect others more than the average person. Such is the sacrifice of a public figure.
If such reports are true, then there will be no option for Max Mosley other than resign.
The FIA made it clear that the sport of Formula 1 had no place for any sort of racial abuse.
Unfortunately for the FIA, its president, Max Mosley is now caught up in an even more sensitive racist scandal. Caught by a hidden camera, Max Mosley was allegedly seen engaging in a Nazi role playing orgy session with five prostitutes in a London Apartment.
The whole allegation is controversial enough. But when you consider Max Mosley's father, Oswald Mosley, who according to the Times of London was the former leader of the BUF (British Union of Fascists) and whose wedding was attended by no less than Adolf Hitler, the scandal becomes outrageously shocking and ridiculously tabloid friendly.
Indeed, even passing comments from leading Formula 1 figures like triple champion Sir Jackie Stewart, 1979 champion Jody Scheckter and Martin Brundle as well as various Jewish groups show the ever-increasing pressure hounding the FIA President.
What does this news contribute toFormula 1? According to Formula 1 chief Bernie Eccelstone, nothing really. He downplayed the issue by telling The Times that the news should not affect the sport because the report was about a personal matter: "Assuming it's all true, whatever people do privately is up to them."
But then again, any issue involving the FIA president DOES affect the sport. As an organization that took such a strong stance against the racial acts in Spain just a few months ago, such controversy is like a slap on the governing body's integrity. A damaged reputation limits the organization's influence in monitoring the events in the sport.
Regardless of the fact that such is a private matter, or if whether or not the whole session was 'just a joke', such a tactless act merits no acceptable excuse. People in positions of power have to be more careful and mindful on what they do and say because their actions resonate and affect others more than the average person. Such is the sacrifice of a public figure.
If such reports are true, then there will be no option for Max Mosley other than resign.
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