Lewis Hamilton has claimed ‘many people are uncomfortable’ racing in Saudi Arabia, two weeks on from the Jeddah Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion made the observation ahead of round three in Australia, saying that’s why he may have seemed down last time out.
Getty
Hamilton is a regular proponent of human rights and raced with a rainbow flag on his helmet in Saudi, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community in a country where homosexual acts are illegal.
The Mercedes driver has voiced his discontent about racing in countries with poor human rights records on numerous occasions, and tensions were further heightened by a missile attack close to the circuit at last year’s event.
Last time out on March 19, Hamilton finished fifth in Saudi, and it was put to him that he seemed down about the car’s performance.
He instead said it was due to the location, admitting to the BBC: “I don’t remember being down in Saudi, if I was I think it’s ultimately the whole vibe of being in Saudi.
“So many people are uncomfortable being there and going there I’m not like, ‘Hey, hey! I’m happy to be here!’
“You just put your head down and get on with the job. I think generally the weekend wasn’t easy.”
Getty
Most read in Sport
The 2022 race was nearly aborted by a missile strike on a nearby Aramco oil factory, which saw a lengthy delay to proceedings as drivers and team officials were quelled by race organisers.
Returning earlier in March for the event, drivers were asked about how they felt about returning with Lance Stroll saying, ‘I trust Formula 1’ and Sergio Perez adding ‘I’m happy to be back’.
When the question was then put to Hamilton, he said: “Not much really to add. All the opposite to everything they said.”
Source: TalkSport.com Motorsport