Hamilton on racing in Qatar: 'Other drivers don't show much'

Hamilton on human rights

Despite Qatar being poorly regarded by Amnesty International when it comes to human rights in the country, it is still hosting a World Cup in 2022 and is hosting a Formula One race for the first time this year. Hamilton knows that drivers do not choose the races, but expects more from his colleagues.

"I do feel that we're aware there are issues in these places that we're going to, as they're all around the world," he said. "But of course [Qatar] seems to be deemed as one of the worst in this part of the world.

"I do think as the sports go to these places, they are the duty bound to raise awareness for these issues.

"These places need scrutiny from the media to speak about these things. Equal rights is a serious issue," the seven-time world champion said according to ESPN.

F1 drivers about Qatar

"If we are coming to these places, we need to be raising the profile of the situation. One person can only make a certain amount of small difference but collectively we can have a bigger impact.

"Do I wish that more sportsmen and women spoke out on these issues? Yes. It's down to whether you decide to educate yourself and hold the sport more accountable and make sure the sport is actually doing something when they go to those places," Hamilton concluded.

Verstappen, however, has no intention of getting involved.

''I don't determine and plan where we race. That's for the Formula 1 organisation to decide and so it's more of a question for them. We go to the countries on the Formula 1 calendar to earn World Championship points'', the Red Bull Racing driver said to NOS.