Humans rights orgs call on Hamilton to speak out against Saudi GP

A group of human rights organisations have signed an open letter to F1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton calling on the driver to boycott the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix over concerns about the country using the race to "sportswash" its image.

The organisations said that Hamilton should "reconsider" his participation in the race over what they said were the country’s human rights abuses and called on the driver to use his platform to speak out against the event.

"We commend your dedication to raising awareness about issues that are important to you and we hope you will continue your advocacy into the 2021 F1 season," the letter said.

"As organizations concerned deeply with the human rights abuses carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we ask that you reconsider your participation in the upcoming race being hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2021.

"If this is not possible due to prior commitments, we ask that you make a statement at this race."