Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has said that he is not “feel comfortable” racing in Saudi Arabia, due to country’s controversial human rights record and perceived injustices he sees in the country, ahead of its inaugural Formula One grand prix.

The report issued by Human Rights Watch organisation, which follows a letter demanding a meeting with F1 senior management and FIA president Jean Todt, says F1’s presence in the country risks “bolstering the Saudi government’s well-funded efforts to whitewash its image despite a significant increase in repression over the last few years.”

Hamilton has been an active supporter of human rights and carried a famous rainbow helmet livery at the Qatar Grand Prix last time out – in support of the LGBTQ+ community and confirmed it will continue to Saudi GP and season finale at Abu Dhabi.

“Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say I do,” he said to media on Thursday ahead of the Saudi Grand Prix. “But it’s not my choice to be here. The sport has taken the choice to be here.

“And whether it’s right or wrong, I think whilst we are here I feel like it’s important that we do try to raise awareness.”

“In the last race, for example, you saw the [rainbow-coloured crash] helmet that I wore. I will wear that again here, and in the next race because there is an issue in that there’s a law – if anyone wants to take the time to go and read – that is pretty terrifying for the LGBTQ+ community. There are changes that need to be made.”

Hamilton gave a specific case in point for Saudi Arabia where he feels injustice is still prevalent.

“For example, women’s rights – [women] have been able to drive since 2018, [but] it’s how they’re policed,” he said. “Are they really in effect? Some of the women are still in prison for driving many, many years ago, so there’s a lot of change that needs to happen. And I think our sport needs to do more.”

Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Faisal, the race promoter, said he welcomed Hamilton expressing his views and that he respected his opinion.

“It’s good to see people stand for what they believe,” he said. “But at the same time, we have our culture, our traditions.

“We understand and for someone with his background and with his culture, I totally understand why he does it. I think he should do what he do, whatever he supports, and think that he believes is suitable for him, we respect his opinion.”