Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has unveiled a helmet using a rainbow livery for this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Formula 1 is visiting the country for the first time after it was chosen to replace Australia on the 2021 calendar.
Qatar will be absent from the schedule next year, but has secured a 10-year deal to return in 2023.
With human rights issues being a prominent talking point ahead of this weekend, Hamilton is sporting a helmet with colours that reflect the pride progress flag.
Hamilton has also replaced his ‘Still I Rise’ motto on the back of the helmet with ‘We Stand Together’.
Many fans voiced their unhappiness with Qatar’s inclusion on the calendar when the event was announced.
Hamilton said that F1 has a “duty” to speak out on certain issues while racing in countries with questionable human rights.
“Ultimately, us drivers, it’s not our choice where we get to go and race,” Hamilton said.
“I do feel that we are aware there are issues in these places that we are going to as there are around the world but of course it seems to be deemed one of the worst in this part of the world.
“I do think as sports go to these places they are duty-bound to raise awareness for these issues and these places need scrutiny.
“It needs the media to speak about these things. Equal rights is a serious issue. However, I am aware in this place they are trying to make steps and they can’t make change overnight.”
Homosexuality is currently illegal in Qatar.
