Lewis Hamilton wants to see change in Saudi Arabia

The Seven-time world champion is set on using his platform to foster social change.

Lewis Hamilton wants change in Saudi Arabia

Lewis Hamilton has said he wants to do everything in his power to be a force of positive change in Saudi Arabia as the country's first race approaches. As he did recently in the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton will once again sport a helmet with the Pride colors on it. The city of Jeddah will play host to the country's debut Formula 1 race on December 5th.

On Thursday Hamilton, who is currently eight points behind championship leader ax Verstappen as they head into the penultimate race, said that he feels uncomfortable racing in the country. The Mercedez driver went on to add that he was conscious of the fact that his impact on an entire nation would be minimal, however, he pointed to the idea that raising social awareness whenever possible was always important. "Me just wearing a helmet isn't going to change the world," Hamilton told Sky Sports. "But I hope that whether it's kids here are more aware of it, kids back home are more aware of the scenarios in these places. Maybe kids back home in England will be studying it more at school and learning more about inclusivity."

Lewis Hamilton wants to shake things up

Speaking about his stance Hamilton went on to say that he hoped to push conversations that would likely not make race promoters happy. "I believe everyone should have equal rights, freedom of speech, freedom of movement. And there's places where that's not allowed. Places such as here where the LGBT community, there's prison time, the death penalty and restrictions for people being themselves. And I don't believe in that."

Hamilton also added that he believed, "religions can change, rules can change, rulers can change those things...they have the power to. We don't choose where we're going, others have chosen for us to be here so we have to make sure we apply the pressure on them to make sure that they are doing right by the people in those places. Spark the conversation. Creating that uncomfortable discussion that is needed in those places."

Hamilton is running out of time

Conversations aside, Hamilton will need to focus on stopping Verstappen as he risks dropping to 18 points behind the current leader. Indeed, victory in Jeddah is the only hope he has if he is to force the battle for the championship down to the final round in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 12th.