2024 Formula 1 Host Countries Ranked By Their Respect For Human Rights

Formula 1 is a multi-million dollar form of motorsport that jets a lot of rich dudes all around the world. It’s a sport where cash is king, and The Powers That Be will take that cash no matter where it comes from. Sometimes, the money comes from other well-to-do rich dudes who have been investing in F1 for so long that decorum requires a continued business deal. Other times, though, the money comes directly from questionable political regimes that have shown a blatant disregard for a little thing called “human rights.”

Today, we’re taking a look at the 20 different countries that will host 24 Grands Prix this year to see just how well those countries respect things like bodily autonomy, public services, equitable laws, and more. Monaco has not been included, since it’s a principality, which therefore means it is not often compared to other countries.

Our data is pulled primarily from two sources. The Global Economy is a research base that selects, compiles, and presents all kinds of data on foreign countries; it allows you to analyze and compare countries on metrics like their economic prosperity or their respect for human rights. We’re then pulling more specific information from Amnesty International. This list begins with the most respectful country and proceeds down to the country with the least regard for human rights. Each slide includes a country name, followed by the number assigned to that country in the most recent edition of the Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index. This index ranks each country on a scale of 0 through 10; the higher the number, the more issues there are with human rights in that country.

Austria: 0.4/10

Of all 20 countries on F1's calendar this year, Austria is the best place to go if you want to feel safe and respected. Its Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index score is 0.4, making it the fourth-best country in the world for rights!

Unfortunately, you may need to leave some of your rights behind when you step into the track, because fans have been facing harassment for, say, being a woman, or being a minority, or having a disability. Amnesty International notes that women and girls still face violence at a higher rate than men and that freedom of expression is under pressure.

Netherlands: 0.6/10

Also ranking high on the list is the Netherlands, home of both the Dutch Grand Prix and Max Verstappen. Its Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index score is 0.6, making it the seventh-best country to live in when it comes to seeking equality and freedom. There are still issues regarding the safe housing of asylum seekers, and there are still concerns about discriminatory algorithms used to detect tax and benefit fraud, but all things considered, it’s a pretty decent place to exist.

Italy: 0.8/10

Italy is one of two countries that hosts multiple F1 events in a season, the first coming at Imola in May and the second at Monza in September. It’s also shaping up to be a pretty solid place to live. Its Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index score is 0.8, and out of 177 countries, it’s the ninth most respectful to human rights. Amnesty International, though, points out that there are concerns with torture, excessive force used against demonstrators, violence against women, and the accommodations given to asylum seekers.

Belgium: 0.9/10

The Belgian Grand Prix is one of the classic events on the F1 calendar, and Belgium itself ranks 11th out of 177 countries on the Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index in terms of excellent countries to live in. Amnesty International highlights ongoing problems with asylum seekers, structural discrimination, and the treatment of criminals.

Spain: 1.5/10

Spain takes home a score of 1.5 on the Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index, making it a decent place to go and still expect your rights to be protected. Still, Amnesty International notes that there are ongoing problems with violent repression of people crossing borders, and that women are still subject to close regulation via criminalized sex work and violence.

Canada: 1.6/10

Just two slots away from Spain on the Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index is Canada, with a score of 1.6. The Great White North still struggles with discrimination and land rights, especially as it comes to the Indigenous communities scattered throughout the country. Amnesty International notes that other marginalized groups face systemic inequalities as well.

Australia: 1.9/10

Australia is now one of the only human rights friendly races to take place during the first five events of the season! Its Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index score is 1.9, still keeping it within the top-25 countries that respect human rights. Amnesty International notes that there’s ongoing discrimination against Five Nations peoples, that asylum seekers have been indefinitely detained, and that child detainees are especially prone to rights violations.

United Kingdom: 2.4/10

Jolly old England, which likes to claim that it’s the birthplace of Formula 1, is not necessarily the birthplace of admirable human rights legislation thanks to its score of 2.4 on the Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index. Recent laws have continued to erode prior human rights guarantees in the form of inconsistent reproductive support and attacks on the right of freedom and assembly.

Japan: 2.9/10

The Japanese Grand Prix is almost always a thriller, though its Human Rights And Rule Of Law Index score of 2.9 highlights that there are some concerns to tackle. Amnesty International notes that the negative score here is bolstered by the ongoing discrimination against women, migrants, asylum seekers, ethnic Korean people, and LGTBQ+ people. Foreign nationals also face lengthy stays in detention facilities where they’re generally treated poorly. Also contributing to a lower score is the fact that Japan still retains provisions for using the death penalty.

USA: 4.5/10