Lewis Hamilton speaks at a press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Photo / Getty
Lewis Hamilton says he does "not feel comfortable" racing in Saudi Arabia and has called on Formula 1 to do more to raise awareness of human rights abuses in some of the countries the sport visits.
The seven-time world champion, who has come under pressure in the build-up to
this weekend's grand prix from groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who have accused Formula 1 of "sportswashing", said he felt the sport was "duty-bound" to speak up when it visited countries where groups were discriminated against on the basis of gender or sexuality.
The 36-year-old said for his part he would continue to wear the same helmet he wore in Qatar a fortnight ago supporting the LGBTQIA+ community both in Saudi Arabia this weekend and in Abu Dhabi next weekend, and he urged others to speak up in support of human rights.
"With the utmost respect to everyone who is here, so far I've had a warm welcome," Hamilton replied when asked whether he was comfortable racing in Saudi Arabia.
"I can't pretend to be the most knowledgeable, or have the deepest understanding, particularly compared to someone who has grown up in the community here, who is heavily affected by certain rules and the regime.
