Lewis Hamilton has admitted he doesn’t feel comfortable racing in Saudi Arabia as he criticised the country’s treatment of the LGBT+ community.
The F1 season has just two races left, this weekend in Jeddah before the final race next week in Abu Dhabi, and Hamilton is locked in gripping title battle with Max Verstappen.
The British driver wore a Progress Pride helmet in the last race in Qatar, and confirmed he will be doing the same both in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton spoke out against Saudi Arabia, which is hosting a Grand Prix for the first time, and called on F1 as a sport to do more to ensure progress is made.
“Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say that I do,” Hamilton said.
“But it’s not my choice to be here. The sport has taken the choice to be here.
“I will wear [the helmet] again here and in the next race. If anyone wants to take time to read what the law is for the LGBT+ community, it is pretty terrifying.
“There’s changes that need to be made. For example women’s rights of being able to drive in 2018, it’s how they are policed. Some of the women are still in prison from driving many, many years ago.
“So there’s a lot of changes that need to happen and I think our sport needs to do more.”
