Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes to make a statement this weekend in Qatar, both on and off the track.
The Mercedes driver kicked off his day at the Losail International Circuit sporting a striking rainbow motif on his helmet in deference to the LGBTQ+ community.
It's of course no coincidence that the seven-time world champion is showcasing this weekend in Qatar his support for members of a minority group who face severe repression in a country where male homosexuality remains illegal and is potentially punishable by death according to sharia law, although there are no known cases in Qatar in which the death penalty was enforced for homosexuality.
©Mercedes
Qatar also does not recognize same-sex marriage, nor does it allow its residents to campaign for LBGT rights.
Ahead of this weekend's maiden Grand Prix in the Arab country, Hamilton said that F1 and sports in general are "duty bound" to raise awareness for human rights concerns in Middle-East countries.
Hamilton's initiative was saluted by the Racing Pride organization which promotes inclusion in motorsport, labeling the Mercedes driver's gesture as a "powerful" sign of solidarity.
"We applaud Lewis Hamilton for adding the rainbow flag to his helmet for this weekend’s Qatar GP," Racing Pride said in a message posted on social media.
"It is a magnificent and powerful gesture of solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community around the world and is very much appreciated. Thank you, Lewis."
We applaud @LewisHamilton for adding the rainbow flag to his helmet for this weekend’s #QatarGP. It is a magnificent and powerful gesture of solidarity with our #LGBTQ+ community around the world and is very much appreciated. Thank you, Lewis. #F1 @MercedesAMGF1
👏🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🙌 pic.twitter.com/lslrSbRRn2
— Racing Pride (@RacingPrideHQ) November 19, 2021
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