Lewis Hamilton says he is not comfortable racing in Saudi Arabia this weekend as a result of the country’s human rights record.
Saudi Arabia is hosting its inaugural race on a new street track in the coastal city of Jeddah, the first in a long-term contract.
Hamilton said: “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.”
F1’s decision to race in Saudi Arabia has been criticised by human rights groups. Amnesty International has said Saudi’s record is “extremely troubling” and that the race is being used to “sports-wash” the country’s reputation.
Amnesty’s UK chief executive officer, Sacha Deshmukh, said it was “encouraging” to see Hamilton speaking out on human rights. (BBC Sports)