Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Moore School of Business

Director of Thesis

Dr. Andrew Spicer

Second Reader

Dr. Abderrahmane Jassim

Abstract

This thesis explores how Formula 1 (F1) tries to balance its growing economic goals with the ethical questions that come with expanding into the Middle East. As F1 continues to host races in countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, concerns have grown about whether the sport is being used for “sportswashing,” where major sporting events are meant to improve the image of governments with poor human rights records. At the same time, F1 promotes values like sustainability, equality, and human rights, which makes this situation even more complex.

The goal of this research is to understand how F1 manages this tension between profit and principle. I use a mixed-methods approach that includes interviews with F1 fans and affiliates from both the Middle East and Europe, as well as an analysis of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) statements and academic literature. By comparing what F1 publicly claims to represent with how it actually operates, I aim to identify where its values align with its actions and where they fall short. This study adds to broader discussions about globalization, ethics, and corporate responsibility by showing how international sports organizations handle difficult moral choices while pursuing growth in politically sensitive regions.

First Page

1

Last Page

42

Rights

© 2026, James R. J. Celli

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