Reigning world
champion Lewis Hamilton on Thursday said he is not comfortable racing in Saudi
Arabia because of the country’s human rights record.

“Do I feel
comfortable here? I wouldn’t say I do. But it’s not my choice to be here. The
sport has taken a choice to be here. And whether it’s right or wrong, while we
are here, it’s important we do try to raise awareness,” the BBC quoted Hamilton
as saying ahead of the weekend’s race.

Saudi
Arabia is hosting its inaugural race this weekend on a new track in the city of
Jeddah. It is the first race in a long-term contract.

Also Read | Lewis Hamilton wins inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, slices into Max Verstappen’s lead

Formula1’s
decision to host the race in Saudi Arabia has received widespread criticism by
human rights groups. Amnesty International has said that the country’s human
rights record is “extremely troubling” and that the race is being used to “sports
wash” its image.

Hamilton
has confirmed he will again be wearing the ‘rainbow’ helmet, painted with the
rainbow flag to support the LGBTQ community, he wore at the race in Qatar and
described the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia as “pretty terrifying”.

Referring
to the decision to allow women to drive in 2018, Hamilton said, “There are
changes that need to be made. For example, women’s rights of being allowed to
drive since 2018. It is how they are policed. Are they really [allowed], in
effect? Why are there women still in prison from driving many years ago? There
is a lot of change that needs to happen and I think our sport needs to do more.”

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Four-time
champion Sebastian Vettel has also expressed concern on human rights issues in
the middle east this season. On Thursday, he organised a karting event for
women in Jeddah.

“I was
thinking of what I can do. In general, we have so much focus on negative
examples when it comes to shortcomings of certain countries in regards to human
rights and other things,” Vettel said.

The F1 season has reached its decisive stage with Hamilton entering the weekend just eight points behind title rival Max Verstappen. The Dutchman can be confirmed champion this weekend if results fo his way.