Hamilton has rainbow helmet at Qatar GP in defiant stance after World Cup issues
Lewis Hamilton is wearing rainbow colours on his race helmet at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion did the same thing the last time Formula 1 raced at the Losail International Circuit two years ago. It was an example of how he rarely shies away from campaigning for social issues.
Reflecting on that 2021 race in Qatar, Hamilton told reporters of the nerves he felt about making such a statement in a country with oppressive laws when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. "It's always good and well raising awareness for things, but it’s more about the work that is done in the background and the conversations you continue to have," he said.
"It's such a big machine to shift. It is a whole country that is very young. It has taken the west a long, long time to get to where they are. All we can do is try to be positive when we come to these places and take the opportunity. That's why I continue to wear the flag here.
"In 2021 it was 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 so they feel included. As a sport we have to continue to work on our inclusivity. Diversity continues to be an issue."
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He had suggested that he would be sporting the rainbow flag again at this weekend's Grand Prix. And he did so in first practice on Friday, with a neon yellow helmet with the rainbow colours painted down the middle.
LBBTQ+ rights in Qatar were in the spotlight last year when the football World Cup was held in the Gulf state. FIFA had promised that merchandise sporting the rainbow colours would be allowed, but there were plenty of stories of fans being turned away from stadiums for T-shirts, flags, armbands and other items promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
Even after FIFA reportedly told Qatari authorities to end the policy of confiscating such items, there were further examples of such incidents. Not only were such items taken away, but there were reports of fans being detained for attempting to bring them into stadiums.
England captain Harry Kane planned to wear a 'One Love' armband on the pitch. But The FA took the decision to backtrack on that plan after being told by FIFA that sporting sanctions would be handed out to any players who wore such attire.
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