Lewis Hamilton condemns Saudi Arabia's 'terrifying' LGBTQ+ laws ahead of race and says it is 'not my choice to be here'

Formula 1's most successful driver Lewis Hamilton is preparing to wear his Progress Pride helmet during the grand prix, to draw attention to LGBTQ+ intolerance in Saudi Arabia.

Lewis Hamilton has said he does not feel comfortable about racing in Saudi Arabia's grand prix this weekend, as he expressed concern about human rights in the kingdom.

The seven-times Formula 1 world champion will be competing in a night race around a street circuit in Jeddah.

Hamilton said he had received a warm welcome on arrival, but felt "duty-bound" to speak out amid human rights groups accusing Saudi Arabia of using the event to distract from scrutiny about its abuses.

He also said the Liberty Media-owned sport needed to do more before adding he will wear the same Progress Pride helmet he wore at last month's Qatar Grand Prix, in order to draw attention to LGBTQ+ intolerance.

This is due to gay sex also being a criminal offence in the kingdom, which Hamilton said was "pretty terrifying".

Hamilton said: "Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn't say that I do.

"But it's not my choice to be here. The sport has taken the choice to be here.

"There's changes that need to be made. For example women's rights of being able to drive [legally] in 2018, it's how they are policed. Some of the women are still in prison from driving many, many years ago.

"So there's a lot of changes that need to happen and I think our sport needs to do more."