Formula 1 shifts from racing to human rights in Saudi Arabia

With Formula One back in Saudi Arabia this week for another grand prix, the topic of conversation again has shifted from racing to human rights issues.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion who has also been an outspoken activist, said Friday the responsibility for holding the kingdom to account shouldn't fall on the drivers but he would try to help.

It is obviously naturally a very, very complex situation. But I'm always open to having a discussion, to learning more, to try to understand why the things that are happening are happening, Hamilton said. Because it's 2022, and it's easy to make changes. But I'm open to doing that.

Hamilton won the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah in December, the second-to-last race of last season. Two weeks ago, 81 people were put to death in a mass execution the largest in the kingdom's modern history.

Ultimately, it's the responsibility of those that are in power to really make the changes and we're not really seeing enough, the Mercedes driver said. So we need to see more.

According to Reprieve, a non-profit organisation which defends people facing human rights abuses, and partner organisation the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, a further 16 executions have been carried out since the mass executions on March 12.

It's obviously mind-blowing to hear the stories. I've heard there's a letter been sent to me, for example, by a 14-year-old who's on death row, Hamilton said Friday. We don't decide where we go (but) I think we're duty bound to try and do what we can while we're here.

Saudi Arabia is one of several countries that has been accused of sportswashing human rights abuses by using high-profile sporting events to project a favourable image. Others include Bahrain, which held the opening F1 race of the season last weekend, and Qatar, which will host soccer's World Cup later this year.

Saudi Arabia also came under scrutiny in October after buying Premier League soccer club Newcastle.

Daniel Riccardo said F1 drivers can use their platforms for change, including meeting with people in the country.

If speaking to, let's say, a group of people could help, then why not? I think for now the best thing is to remain open-minded, the McLaren driver said. We're aware there is room for change here and if participating in certain things helps, then I think we're very open to do so.

As for skipping the race altogether, Ricciardo said he thinks drivers are better placed to come and compete.

We're aware of some of the situations when we come here, he said. We also have a chance to create some change and have some positive influence, as opposed to not coming here.

Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton's former teammate, said drivers don't really have a choice on where they go.

If we could chose races, maybe we would change the calendar a bit, the Alfa Romeo driver said.

When F1 terminated its contract with the Russian GP earlier this month after that country's invasion of Ukraine, drivers agreed it was the right thing to do. Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel said he wouldn't have raced there if it had gone ahead.

The Saudi Arabian GP will go ahead as scheduled on Sunday.

You can't ignore these facts, Mercedes driver George Russell said. I just hope that with our platform we are raising the right awareness, and we can have a positive change in the long run.