Lewis Hamilton Stands Against Middle East Human Rights: "Even If It Kills Me"
In a recent video from the Mercedes F1 team's YouTube channel, Lewis Hamilton discussed his drive to bring change in countries which have human rights issues. Talking specifically about the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix, he reflects on the meaning behind his rainbow crash helmet, adding that he didn't care if they "throw me in jail" for the showing of his support to the community, "even if it kills me".
The 7-time world champion has been a strong advocate for human rights and has on plenty of occasions made his support public. Alongside Sebastian Vettel, the British driver took the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and he often sports purple and rainbow colourings on his racing suit to support the LGBTQ+ community.
With the F1 calendar stopping in the Middle East where equal human rights can be questionable, Hamilton was keen to show his support with a rainbow helmet:
“For me, it’s mind-blowing that we live in a time still where there are so many countries around the world, but particularly a lot of human rights issues within the Middle East. Women’s rights, LGBT+ rights," he told the camera.
“There are laws that restrict people from being their true selves and I've always been a risk taker. Like ‘I’m gonna do this regardless of whether or not they’re gonna throw me in jail.’"
Continuing, he adds that he will do whatever it takes to make a stand:
"I don't care what they're going to do, I am going to stand for something that I believe in even if it kills me.
"I know it sounds crazy, but I've got to do this. I need to show people how important it is and spark those conversations out there.
"Put those that are in power on edge and feel like they have to have conversations about making change because it brings negativity to their country."
Looking back at the race, he was proud to take home the win and stand on the podium with the rainbow colouring:
"I won the race. My drive was like 'I’ve got to get to the top of the podium because that would make the biggest bang, the biggest awareness for it' and I did it. I was really proud of it.”