Hamilton “very moved” by support from prisoners in Bahrain after human rights comments · RaceFans

Lewis Hamilton said he was “very moved” to learn that Bahraini prisoners have started showing their support for him in response to his stance on human rights.

Since 2020, Hamilton has become increasingly outspoken on the subject, calling on F1 not to ignore the “massive problem” of human rights in some countries it visits. He received letters from human rights groups in Bahrain.

This week, reports emerged that inmates in Bahraini jails, described as political prisoners and prisoners of conscience by human rights groups, added Hamilton’s number 44 to their uniforms in recognition of his public comments on human rights.

“When I saw the story about it, I was very moved,” Hamilton said at the FIA ​​press conference at the Bahrain International Circuit yesterday.

“I never thought in a million years that I would be able to have this kind of impact on people, especially in these positions with only some of them with amazing stories battling a tough system. .”

Hamilton said last year he had raised the human rights issue with Britain’s ambassador to the country. “Honestly, I’ve really tried to have serious conversations behind the scenes to try to improve this system for those who are currently in prison and those who will potentially face these circumstances in the future,” he said. he stated yesterday.

“It’s not an easy line to follow and it’s risky, it’s difficult, it’s difficult relationships. But for me, what is important is to see a better future for people.

Announcement | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

“We come to these beautiful places and there are challenges everywhere, it’s true, no country is perfect. But I think we can all do more. And so I just try to do everything I can with the time I have. I can’t do it all and I can’t do it alone. So I need allies. But it’s really, really, honestly, it’s amazing to hear this story .

Ahead of this year’s race, Hamilton received a drawing and letter from the 12-year-old son of a man on death row in Bahrain, Mohammed Ramadhan.

Hamilton said he “hasn’t seen the drawing yet, but every year I get letters from those who are suffering and all I can do is do my best to sympathize with those facing to these challenges and who have these tragic stories to tell.

“I think the weight of change really has to rest with the government and those in power. And that’s why we’re going to continue to use the platforms that we have when we get to those countries as well, and make sure that we have serious conversations about what’s going on there because as drivers we we have platforms to try to help raise awareness for these countries.

Hamilton also drew attention to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts, including Yemen. Another F1 venue, Saudi Arabia, has been embroiled in a dispute in the latter since 2015.

“There are amazing organizations on the ground fighting for human rights and I support them,” Hamilton said. “But there is a lot of work to do.

“The world is a mess. We are seeing more refugee movements than ever before. Not just in Ukraine, but in Syria and Yemen. I think it has to be a priority for all of us to come together and really try to push for change, lasting change.

Announcement | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

Bahrain Grand Prix 2022

Browse All Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 Articles