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 tothis 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.
"Do I feel comfortable here? I would not say I do. But it's not my choice to be here. The sport has taken the choice to be here. And whether it's' right or wrong, while we're here I feel like it's important that we try to raise awareness.
"For the last race, for example, you saw that helmet that I wore. I will wear that again here, and at the next race [in Abu Dhabi]. Because that is an issue that is a law. If anyone wants to take the time to read what the laws are for the LGBTQIA+ community, it's pretty terrifying. So there are changes that need to be made."
Lewis Hamilton's current helmet for races in the Middle East. Photo / Getty
Hamilton, who trails Red Bull's Max Verstappen by eight points heading into the final double-header, also drew attention to Saudi laws regarding female drivers.
"They were only permitted to drive in 2018," he noted. "But why are some women still in prison for driving many years ago? There are a lot of changes that still need to happen and I think our sport needs to do more."
Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel also wore shoes sporting a rainbow stripe in the paddock on Thursday afternoon. The German ran a karting event for female drivers on Thursday morning, which he described as "memorable" and "inspiring".
