Lewis Hamilton has his say in human rights issues in Saudi Arabia after weeks of mass killings in the country; "It is not our responsibility to be brought here but we are trying to do what we can."
Lewis Hamilton claims that Formula 1 drivers are "obliged" to try to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's problems and admits it is "open" to meeting with those in authority to try to improve the country's transformation.
F1 heads to Jeddah for the second race of the 2022 season this weekend, with the Saudi Arabia GP taking place a few weeks after the state killed 81 people in one day.
Human rights group Reprieve says more people have been killed before the Grand Prix and criticized the game for agreeing to a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabia to replace the calendar.
Hamilton, who said that when the F1 ran in South Africa for the first time last November said he was not comfortable, stressed that it was not up to the drivers to decide where to run but asked for changes.
"We don't decide where we go, and I think we have a responsibility to try and do what we can," Hamilton said Friday before practice for the first time.
“It is not our responsibility to be brought here but we are trying to do what we can, and I think it is important that we try to educate ourselves.
"Ultimately it is the responsibility of those in charge to make real changes, and we don't really see anything. So we need to see more."
Hamilton also said "his position is still the same" as last year, in which he slammed the civil rights of the state.
"There isn't really much I can say that will make any difference," the seven-time world champion said. “Obviously it is interesting to hear this news.
"I heard there was a letter sent to me by a 14-year-old boy on death row. You don't know what he is doing in life."
Hamilton may have been referring to a letter he sent to Abdullah al-Howaiti, who, according to The Guardian, was arrested at the age of 14 and sentenced to death in 2019 at the age of 17. His family urged Hamilton to intervene.
McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo said the drivers "knew" the problems of Saudi Arabia but pointed out: "I think by coming here we have a chance to make a difference or have a positive impact instead of not coming here. I know F1 often makes McLaren try to promote and create opportunities.
"I think there is a positive impact we can have on coming here. We are still trying to do more, do our best to create that and influence that in a better way."
F1 shared positive reviews from the Saudi Arabian GP organizer this weekend, including that 40 percent of the Corniche circuit team are women and that 500 orphans and people with disabilities were invited to watch the race.
