Despite Bad Mouthing the Saudi Arabia, Lewis Hamilton Receives a Classy Response in Return

Formula 1 has returned to the Jeddah track, and as a response, fans are really eager to witness all 20 drivers in action under the lights. Lewis Hamilton, initially declined to compete in Saudi Arabia since the country in the Middle East still had some unresolved basic concerns. Hamilton, being a social activist, didn’t want to go there. In addition, there were some safety worries following the missile assault last year. However, now the Saudi government has accepted Lewis Hamilton’s promotion of good deeds in the nations of the Middle East.

Hamilton has a solid reputation for supporting the fight against social ills. And most recently, he was caught making a mockery of the FIA for scheduling yet another race at the Jeddah circuit in an interview. Also, he made an attempt to intimidate the FIA into not participating in the race in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s serious human rights problems. The Saudi Motorsports Company has, however, come forward with a classy reply.

As per F1 Maximaal.nl, SMC chairman and Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal have no problems with Hamilton’s advocacy for better human rights. He said, “We want everyone to speak their mind. We have nothing against anyone’s opinion. We’re not trying to force or stop Hamilton from saying what he wants to say, or wear what he wants to wear. If he thinks this is right, and he wants to talk about it, that’s his right and we respect that.”

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Last year, a nearby Aramco oil plant was hit by a Houthis missile as Formula 1 raced around the Jeddah circuit. Following that, a lengthy discussion was held to ensure the safety of the drivers, and this time, as we had done previously, there were inquiries about the safety precautions. Several drivers were observed to be at ease, but Hamilton had something special to add.

Lewis Hamilton disagrees with the other drivers’ perspectives on competing in Jeddah again

Before this year’s event, the FIA, the F1 management organization, and the race promoter worked to calm fans and competitors’ concerns. The pre-event press briefings and driver media sessions in Jeddah on Thursday featured a lot of conversation on safety measures. The young McLaren gun Lando Norris, who’s going to enter his fifth year of contract with the Woking-based  said, “ [I am] happy we’re racing here and what we’re doing as a sport is a good thing.” Besides, he is “not worried about anything”.

The Thai British driver Alex Albon also expressed his views. He said, “there’s been a lot of work this year put into trying to make it feel safer for everyone.” Views were also noted down while Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz spoke. He said, ” I think they’ve given enough reassurance and enough explanations to say that we’re in safe place right now.”

However, what caught fans’ attention were the views coming from the seven times champion Lewis Hamilton. He said, “Not much really to add. All the opposite to everything they.” when asked a little more, the Briton said, “well, I didn’t elaborate on it, so it’s open to interpretation. I’m looking forward to getting in the [W14] car, for sure”.

His remarks made it clear that the Mercedes driver wasn’t convinced about other aspects of working in Jeddah, considering the nation’s history and the country’s dismal track record for human rights.

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The Briton has currently received approval from the SMC to advocate social problems in Saudi Arabia. Having said that, do you believe that Hamilton, who previously supported the LGBTQ+ Community by donning a rainbow helmet, will have another idea to demonstrate his true activism on Sunday?