British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has been labeled an inspiration by prisoners in Bahrain. The Brit demanded last year that the sport takes a greater responsibility for the human rights issues faced by host countries.
Some inmates are now donning Hamilton’s car number, 44, on their clothes in a show of support.
Formula One begins its new campaign this weekend in Bahrain. The country is renowned and often criticised for its human rights abuses.
Hamilton on Monday received a letter from Bahrain prisoner Ali Alhajee, who reportedly wrote to the motorsport champion about how his outspokenness had made a difference in how prisoners viewed the sport. Alhajee added that to many prisoners, Hamilton is a champion not only in the world of F1, but also as a human being who cares about others.
In his letter, Alhajee claims to have been a victim of torture prior to his sentencing for organising peaceful protests in the country’s capital, Manama. He is currently serving a 10-year sentence.
Several groups are once again demanding more action from F1 and the FIA over the human rights abuses in Bahrain. To this, F1 has responded by saying that the sport regards its responsibility on human rights in a very serious light, and that the FIA pays close attention to the ethical standards of every country and party in its supply chain.
A spokesperson for the Bahrain government said this week the country welcomes the role the sport plays in shedding light on human rights issues all over the world.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Ladbrokes |
 |
5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  |
Palmerbet |
|
4.9/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Trent Wilson
Trent Wilson is OnlineBetting.nz’s resident sports news expert. He draws on his extensive sporting knowledge, his qualification in sports management and his passion for betting to provide the latest, most up to date information on sporting events in New Zealand and across the globe. Trent is a veritable treasure trove of sports information and has been betting online for several years. He prides himself in keeping his readers informed, and in always offering an unbiased standpoint that reflects exactly what’s going on in the sports world.
You May Also Like:
FIA Scraps Russia From F1 Calendar
Formula One has officially terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix. The sport announced the decision on Thursday. This means F1 will no longer race in the at-war country. Earlier this year, F1 took the decision to from 2023 move the Russian GP to Igora Drive, which is located ….
Norris Signs Extended Deal With McLaren
British-Belgian racing car driver Lando Norris has confirmed the signing of an extended deal with F1’s McLaren. According to the provisions of his extended contract, Norris will stay on with McLaren until the end of 2025. Norris also revealed that he had been involved in talks with several other Formula ….
Christian Horner Positive About F1’s Future
F1 will in 2022 focus anew on supporting its Race Director, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has said. The controversial end to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi means F1’s race management structure will likely undergo several changes in the coming months. Australian Michael Masi, the sport’s current Race Director, ….
Lewis Hamilton Speaks Out Ahead Of Qatar
British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has said he believes more than just having the right to do so, sportspeople are bound by duty to raise their voices on human rights issues in the countries they visit. Hamilton’s comments come just as the F1 action heads for Qatar for the ….
Six Sprints To Be Included On F1 Calendar
Exciting news for F1 fans is an announcement by sporting director Ross Brawn that from next season, six sprint race meetings will be included as part of the annual roster. Brawn said while the idea is to test the concept already this year, with two sprint races already declared a ….
