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Lewis Hamilton has called on Formula 1 to do more to raise awareness of human rights issues in countries like Saudi Arabia, citing the “pretty terrifying” law against homosexuality as an example.
Homosexuality and being transgender are prohibited in Saudi Arabia with flogging, imprisonment and even the death penalty among the potential punishments.
This weekend is the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and that has been met with fresh condemnation from human rights groups, calling on F1 to at least highlight the issues in the country.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has been the most vocal person on these matters in the F1 community, and ahead of the first Qatar GP two weeks ago said F1 was “duty-bound” to hold these countries accountable.
He reiterated that in Jeddah, where he will again wear a special helmet decked out in a Progress Pride design supporting the LGBQT+ community, on Thursday.
“We are duty-bound to make sure that we try to help raise awareness for certain issues that we’ve seen, particularly human rights in these countries that we’re going to,” Hamilton said.
“With the utmost respect for everyone that’s here, I’ve so far had a warm welcome from the people on the ground. I can’t pretend to be the most knowledgeable or have the deepest understanding of someone that has grown up in a community here that is heavily affected by certain rules and the regime.
“Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t 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, I think whilst we’re here I feel like it’s important that we do try to raise awareness.
“So in the last race, for example, you saw the helmet that I wore. I will wear that again here and in the next race [Abu Dhabi], because that is an issue.
“It is a law that…if anyone wants to take the time to go and read what the law is for the LGBTQ+ community, it is pretty terrifying.
“There’s changes that needs to be made. And those changes [that are being made], for example, women’s rights to be able to drive in 2018, it’s how they’re policed.
“Are they really in effect? Why are some of the women still in prison from driving many, many years ago?
“There’s a lot of change that needs to happen and I think our sport needs to do more.”
The topic has generally been avoided by F1 while the organisers of the race tend to focus on the experience they want to offer visitors to the region.
Saudi royal Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Faisal, the race’s official promoter, appeared to at least support Hamilton’s right to make such remarks.
He said in an interview with Sky Sports F1 this week: “It’s good to see people stand for what they believe. But at the same time, we have our culture, our traditions.
“We understand for someone with his background and with his culture, why he does it.
“He should do what he does, whatever he supports and believes is suitable.
“We respect his opinion.”
A statement on behalf of the grand prix given to The Race said: “We fully recognise the right of all individuals to express their point of view, but we are confident that once people visit Jeddah, they will see for themselves what a vibrant, open and welcoming culture exists here.
“Our aim is clear and simple: to ensure that everyone who comes to experience the first F1 race in Saudi Arabia, will have a world class experience on and off-track.
“We are ready to welcome the whole world.”
