LEWIS HAMILTON has told F1 chiefs to start addressing the ‘massive problem’ of human rights in some of the countries the sport visits.
The world champ arrived in Bahrain ahead of this weekend’s GP and was presented with letters from three Bahraini citizens, who claim to be victims of human rights abuses.
Lewis Hamilton described the human rights records in some of the countries hosting F1 races as a ‘massive problem’Credit: AP:Associated Press
It comes as earlier this week Amnesty International UK described Bahrain’s record on human rights as ‘shocking’.
Sixteen human rights groups have also penned a letter to F1 chairman Chase Carey quizzing F1’s role in ‘sportswashing the Bahraini Government’s human rights abuses’.
And, with races planned in China, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next season, Hamilton says that the sport’s bosses need to do more and back up their promises with actions.
He said: “When I arrived here around midday on Thursday, I received some letters and I have not had a lot of time to digest them and that’s something I need to take some time to do.
“The human rights issue in so many of the places that we go to is a massive problem.
“It is very important, that has shown this year how important it is, not only for us as a sport but all the sports around the world to utilise the platforms they have and to push for change.
“We are the only ones that go to so many different countries and I do think that as a sport, we need to do more. We have taken a step in that direction but we can do more.
“There are some steps in place for the places we are going to, but it is important to make sure they are implemented in the right way and it is not just saying we are going to do something. We need to see some action being taken.”
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Meanwhile Hamilton says he would jump at the chance to become Sir Lewis.
As The Sun first revealed, the F1 champion is set to be knighted in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
The 35-year-old was asked ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain GP what the title would mean to him and whether he would accept it.
Hamilton added: “I would never ever turn down the Royal family. I grew up in the UK and am a massive fan of them.
“It is very surreal, when you grew up watching the news like everyone else, hearing your name in the House of Lords or the House of Commons or in Parliament.
“It is very very surreal to hear that with all the things going on in the world that they have a moment and acknowledge the work that I have done.
“As far as I am aware, there is a lot of talk and I have not really thought a lot about it, but it would be an incredible honour.
“There is no greater honour that your country recognising you and honouring you with such an award.”
Hamilton received his MBE from the Queen in March 2003 and is now in store for a knighthoodCredit: PA:Press Association
Sixteen human rights groups wrote to F1 chairman Chase Carey over his industry’s ‘sportswashing’ abuses by the Bahraini Government Credit: PA:Press Association
Lewis Hamilton to be awarded knighthood in New Year’s Honours after 7th F1 world championship win
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
