As Formula 1 heads to the United States of America for the first time this season - to be honest, for the first time since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, I fear for our sport - and it being Sunday as I write, I will chance it and pray for all our people making the trip to Austin, Texas, too.
Formula 1 has never really been high on political correctness. If you look at history, the sport never feared or hesitated to race in apartheid South Africa, in Argentina during dictatorships, in Russia, or more recently in China. Nor in any of the Middle Eastern countries either, which have long been targets for criticism over human rights abuses and regional conflicts.
When the Grand Prix went to Saudi Arabia, I shared my feelings of anxiety and angst that the sport could be targeted, and indeed, that weekend, an oil facility near the track was hit by a missile or some kind of weapon. Fortunately, there have not been incidents of major concern since then.
However, it dawned on me while thinking ahead to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. What a beautiful name. It sums up Formula 1’s presence in that country. For me, it has always been a great race, as have all the Grands Prix held in the U.S., from Indy to Watkins Glen to Long Beach to Detroit, Las Vegas, you name it.
So, what’s the problem?
As the world today spirals seemingly out of control in politics, economics, society, and war, to a point I have never seen in my lifetime, social media has both poisoned and exposed our society. It is a cancer, yes, but also a window through which we can now see the truths of what is happening in certain countries.
The usual suspects, such as Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, are easy targets for critics of Formula 1’s political choices and possible threats to safety. Heading to America for the first race there this season, I fear for Formula 1 in that country.
I fear mostly because of what we are hearing and seeing from ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, whose agents are allowed to roam the streets freely, rounding up illegal immigrants in brutal fashion.
While their stated mission might sound noble, the way it is being carried out is shocking. If the countless videos circulating on social media are to be believed, then, like Gaza, Ukraine, and now America itself, the truth can no longer be hidden.
But with ICE raids, many innocent people are being beaten, arrested, and deported without due process, rights that are supposed to be guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, I believe.
What if ICE nab Carlos, or Alex or even Lewis, beats 'em and deports them?
So I ask: what if Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, or even Lewis Hamilton were to step out of their hotel and a dozen ICE officers pounced on them, beat them, and threw them in a van headed to detention?
What if that happened during the Grand Prix weekend? It is not an impossible thought. ICE is known to target major events where large numbers of Mexicans, Black people, or non-white communities gather. And in Texas, thousands of multi-national fans travel to the race every year, especially when Sergio Perez was competing. Maybe it is a good thing he sits this one out!
ICE tactics reportedly include camping outside big events, sports arenas and targeting not just spectators but also workers at venues. Notably, those of the darker ilk among us.. This, for me, is outrageous. Can this really be happening in a modern society, in a country that claims to lead the world?
I have used examples of darker-skinned drivers, but it could happen to anyone. The drivers may be the most visible and recognisable by most, but what about non-white engineers? What about non-white mechanics? What about non-white media people? Could they be harassed, too?
I hope not. I hope that the powers that be understand the potential consequences. I am certain the organisers know that an ICE raid at the Circuit of the Americas during the Grand Prix weekend would be catastrophic for America’s image.
2025 USA Gun Stats: 331 killed and 1,499 wounded in 341 shootings
Then there is another issue: the gun deaths in the country. It must be said during these highly volatile times: mass shootings in America are on an unbelievable scale. President Donald Trump has survived two alleged assassinations, while Charlie Kirk was murdered in broad daylight by no-one knows who at a packed venue.
If a madman, a sinister organisation, or a terrorist cell wanted maximum exposure, what better place than a high-profile sporting event like the U.S. Grand Prix?
The idea of a sniper positioned anywhere around COTA, taking potshots, is horrifying, yet it is not impossible to imagine, given the reality of gun violence in that country. I truly hope there is heightened security, more than ever before, because the epidemic of mass shootings, coupled with the raging dissent at the current administration from both sides of the aisle, makes no public event in America truly safe these days, from my perspective.
For perspective, a total of 331 people were killed and 1,499 people have been wounded in 341 shootings (three every two days), as of September 30, 2025, in the United States. In contrast, the rest of the world reports 10–15 incidents, with 50–70 killed and 100–150 wounded, including notable cases in Sweden (1 school shooting, 5 killed) and Austria (1 school shooting, 10 killed).
I hope and pray it's just my conspiracy theory instincts
In 2025, Texas has conducted at least 10 major ICE raids, contributing to 26,341 arrests (25% of U.S. total), a 120% increase from 2024, driven by Trump-era policies. Key operations include Houston (646 arrests in February, 422 in May) and Dallas (84 in January).
Texas, with 2,000-2,500 ICE agents (deportation officers and special agents) and 3,500-4,500 total personnel, leads nationally due to its large immigrant population and four ERO field offices (Dallas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio). A 2025 hiring surge added 700 officers in Texas alone.
Call it overreaction. Call me a conspiracy theorist or a drama queen. Call me mad. But this is my sport, the sport I have followed for over 50 years. I love it. I only want the best for it, for the 20 drivers, their reserves, their engineers, their teams, their fans, the media, everyone.
Please, be safe in Austin. Stay in groups. And if you see ICE agents behaving aggressively, film it. It is sad that a country I once deeply admired feels increasingly difficult to respect, given what is happening there.
I only hope that evil does not prevail this weekend, and that sooner the better, common sense unites Americans across the political divide, and that they truly put their country first, and that's not by beating up innocent people.
As a Formula 1 fan, all I can say is: if there is a God, please keep them all safe at Circuit of the Americas, at least until they leave a country that seems to be imploding before our very eyes.
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