Hamilton sporting 'powerful' pride-themed lid in Qatar

©Mercedes

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.

Read also - Hamilton: F1 'duty bound' to raise awareness for human rights issues

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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.