Hamilton retains rainbow helmet: 'Would like to know what's going on here'

Lewis Hamilton has come to Qatar with a statement. The Brit has a helmet design that supports the LGBTQ+ community. Hamilton now announces that he will not only use the helmet in Qatar, but also in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton arrived in the first free practice session on Friday in Qatar wearing a special helmet. With the rainbow flag depicted on his helmet he supports the LGBTQ+ community. After qualifying the Mercedes driver indicated that he will also use the helmet in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Amnesty International labels human rights in these countries as 'deeply troubling'.

"I’ll be using the same helmet through probably the last two races after this, or at least next week also. But I am not aware of anyone commenting on it or any negative feedback," Hamilton revealed at Autosport.com. The seven-time world champion is aware that the situations for the LGBTQ+ community are not perfect and he believes that more attention should be paid to it.

"But I hope that someone reaches out and I would love to know what is happening here and what they’re doing to help support that community more – the LGBTQ+ community. I wait to hear," Hamilton concluded. The Briton indicated in Thursday's press conference that he hopes more drivers will raise awareness of the human rights situation in Qatar.