F1 great, Lewis Hamilton says he in not comfortable racing in Saudi Arabia this weekend, because of the country's human rights record.
Saudi Arabia is holding the first race of a long-term deal on a new street circuit in the coastal city of Jeddah in the Arabian Grand Prix.
Hamilton said: "Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn't say I do. But it's not my choice to be here. The sport has taken a choice to be here.
"And whether it's right or wrong, while we are here, it's important we do try to raise awareness."
Human rights organizations have criticized F1's decision to race in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's record is "very disturbing," according to Amnesty International, and the race is being used to "sports-wash" the country's image.
Hamilton will also be wearing the rainbow flag-painted helmet he wore at the last race in Qatar to show support for LGBTQ+ rights.
He called the situation for LGBTQ+ persons in Saudi Arabia "pretty terrifying," where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by whipping and imprisonment.
Sebastian Vettel, a four-time champion who has also expressed awareness about human rights concerns this season, organized a karting event for women in Jeddah on Thursday.
Lewis Hamilton is eight points behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen heading into the last two races of the season.
