JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Lewis Hamilton says he does not feel comfortable racing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend, saying Formula One is "duty bound" to raise awareness about human rights concerns in the country.
Saudi Arabia will host its first F1 race this weekend at a new circuit in the coastal city of Jeddah.
The addition of the race to the sport's schedule has resulted in accusations of "sportswashing" from human rights groups, which claim the event is being staged to distract attention from abuses of human rights in the country.
Hamilton, who also raised concerns about human rights during race weekends in Bahrain and Qatar earlier this year, said he did not feel comfortable racing in Saudi Arabia.