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Fernando Alonso promotes a helmet with a woman covered by a burka

The image of the creator of the full-face helmet, completely covered, has sparked criticism: she is accused of normalising female submission and slavery.

Sara Turkestani (supposedly) and Fernando Alonso

Aramco

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Fernando Alonso has received an avalanche of criticism after unveiling his new helmet for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The reason? The image of the driver alongside Saudi designer Sara Turkestani, completely covered in a burka.

Only her eyes were visible. Alonso is smiling. Her, we don't know. The photograph was published by sponsor Aramco and has set social media alight.

“Shame”, “complicity”, “normalisation”

Many users have described the image as “shameful”. Others speak directly of submission, slavery and symbolic violence. Some denounce that Alonso and his team are helping to “whitewash” regimes that oppress women.

So far, Fernando Alonso has made no statement. But the debate has spread far beyond the world of motorsport.

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