December 02, (THEWILL) – Mercedes Formula One race driver Sir Lewis Hamilton has confessed his discomfort competing in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s oppressive laws towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Hamilton slammed the laws as “terrifying” ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix in Jeddah, and called on Formula One to do more to address human rights issues in the nations it visits.
A number of human rights organisations wrote to Formula One on Wednesday, accusing the sport of being complicit in Saudi Arabia’s sportswashing by participating in the kingdom. Human Rights Watch cited “Saudi Arabia’s brutal crackdown on peaceful dissidents” as an example of women’s rights campaigners who face jail for their actions.
Amnesty International urged drivers to speak out in support of Saudi LGBTQ+ citizens, who live in a country where same-sex relationships are banned and punishable by flogging or imprisonment.
F1 has been under fire for holding races in Saudi Arabia, and Hamilton, a vocal proponent of equality and diversity, confessed he was uncomfortable with the system.
“Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say I do,” he said. “But it’s not my choice to be here, the sport has taken the choice to be here.”
Hamilton enters the race, the first in Saudi Arabia, in a tight battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who leads the championship by eight points with two rounds to race. Despite the fact that the world champion is focused on this nail-biting finale, Hamilton was adamant, as he has been in the past, that he will contribute to making a difference.
“Whilst we are here, it’s important we do try to raise awareness,” the Brit said. “In the last race you saw the [rainbow] helmet that I wore. I will wear that again here and in the next race [in Abu Dhabi] because it is an issue.
“If anyone wants to take time to read what the law is for the LGBTQ+ community, it is pretty terrifying. There are changes that need to be made.”
The Saudi rulers, who have invested considerably in enticing athletic events to the kingdom and whose sovereign wealth fund recently triumphed in a takeover bid for Newcastle United, will view Hamilton’s statements as a heavy blow.
Hamilton is the sport’s most famous and well-known international figure, and this is the first time he has spoken openly about being uncomfortable participating in a particular country due to its authoritarian regime.
The final round is due to be held in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are likewise prohibited.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
