1st place Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 21.11.2021. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 20, Qatar Grand Prix, Doha, Qatar, Race Day. – www.xpbimages.com, EMail: reques[email protected] © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Images
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he felt “very proud” when sporting the pride flag on his helmet during the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix in 2021.
During the latter half of his Formula 1 career, Hamilton has used his global platform to be a spokesperson on a number of social and political issues, giving voice to those who aren’t afforded a platform such as his to speak up.
Notably, Hamilton has campaigned on topics such as climate change, racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights, the latter being his particular focus when visiting nations such as Qatar.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Qatar and Hamilton wore a pride-themed helmet during the country’s maiden F1 event two years ago – an experience he called “nerve-wracking.”
“Because I didn’t know how the country would react, but it was amazing when I do meet people who are incredibly grateful for utilising the platform for something like that,” he continued.
“As a sport, we have to continue to work on our inclusivity, diversity continues to be an issue.”
On that note, Hamilton gave his thoughts on the importance of raising social issues when F1 visits nations such as Qatar where such things are a topic of debate and whether F1 as a whole could be doing more to promote change.
“It’s a really difficult question, with so many facets to be able to answer,” Hamilton added. 1000% every single person could be doing more.
“It’s always good and well raising awareness for things, but it’s more about the work that’s done in the background. It’s the conversations that you continue to have to have.
“It’s such a big machine to shift as well, you know, it’s not only what people hear, it’s a whole country that’s very young and particularly in this part of the world, and it’s taken the West a long, long time to get to where they are.
“So I think all we can do is try to just be positive when we do come to these places and do take the opportunity.”
Hamilton, who won the only previous F1 Qatar GP to be held, again sported the pride colours on the top of his crash helmet during today’s FP1 session.
LH switches visors as lighting conditions on track continue to change. 🔄👀 pic.twitter.com/xgccYeQdjW
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) October 6, 2023
Keyword: Hamilton ‘very proud’ to have worn pride helmet in first Qatar GP