22nd Apr, 2013 –
“Bahrain is the best!” yelled a British expatriate while we discussed the state of affairs in Bahrain. “It’s nothing serious, they need to just sort it out,” – as though she was talking about two teenage brothers caught up in a sibling rivalry: “They’ve both made mistakes, what they need to figure out now is what they can do to make it better.”
The group went on putting the world to rights as I continued wandering around the Bahrain International Circuit. The scene at the Circuit was a true model of Bahraini multiculturalism, liberalism, and tolerance.
The event itself was a major success. The only clashes that took place anywhere near the track were between McLaren teammates Jensen Button and Sergio Perez. The overall vibe was extremely positive; security measures were adequately implemented; and attendees felt safe.
People from all corners of the globe were at the BIC to show support for their favorite teams. I heard at least six different languages while standing in line to enter the circuit, aside from Arabic and English; German, Russian, Indian, Japanese, and a few others that I couldn’t make out.
There was a little something for everybody at the track; the F1 Game Zone to entertain the younger guests, the “slingshot” bungee ride for thrill-seekers, live performances by Ne-Yo and Calvin Harris were enjoyed by all, while those looking to enjoy a little buzz sneaked off to the Gulf Air bar and lounge, discretely tucked all the way to one end of the BIC.
The event was an example of something that Bahrain generally does very well: Catering to various tastes while still respecting the regional cultures and traditions.
There was a little something for everybody, and everybody was having a good time.
“I don’t really like racing, I don’t even know who’s in the lead right now, but I still come here every year,” a local guest yelled over the deafening sounds of the engines roaring, “and I’m coming back next year for sure!”
To commentators sitting thousands of miles away, the Bahrain Grand Prix was all about politics. For the Bahrainis attending the event, this was a rare moment when we could set aside the politics, or at least put the political crisis into perspective – it’s nothing serious, we just need to sort it out.