F1 staff ordered to remove Pride flags from backpacks by security staff at Bahrain International Circuit

FORMULA ONE have taken action after team members were ordered to remove the Pride Flag from their backpacks by security staff.

Airport-style checks are in operation at the Bahrain International Circuit where some F1 staff were prevented from taking their equipment into the track – or told it would be confiscated.

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Formula One team members were ordered to remove the Pride Flag from their backpacks in Bahrain[/caption]

A complaint was raised with the sport’s bosses and the track’s owners, who say they have now dealt with the “isolated incident”.

F1 has been openly criticised for racing in the Middle East due to well-publicised problems with human rights.

And while homosexuality is legal in Bahrain, other rights are restricted or not recognised.

Bahrain will host the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix next Sunday, March 3.

And only last year UK MPs called on the sport to set up an independent inquiry into the links between grands prix and human rights violations.

However, F1 chiefs say they are committed to helping change and are undertaking projects to improve economic, social, and cultural benefits in the countries they race.

An F1 spokesperson said: “This was an isolated incident that happened against the policies of F1 and the event organiser in Bahrain.

“It was immediately addressed and has been rectified.

“As a sport, we and our partners proactively celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“And have supported everyone in our community to raise awareness of the values that we all share.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Bahrain International Circuit added: “BIC, the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix, welcomes all to its venue and stands against all forms of discrimination.

“This isolated incident is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken.”