Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton appears to compare Florida to Saudi Arabia over alleged anti-LGBT laws

Components 1 famous person driver Lewis Hamilton blasted Florida lawmakers on Thursday forward of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, boasted that he’ll race with the rainbow helmet that he wears every time Components 1 races in nations that have legal guidelines proscribing LGBTQ rights.

“It is not good in any respect,” Hamilton stated, referring to “anti-LGBTQ measures enacted by Florida lawmakers,” according to the Associated Press.

“I stand by these inside the group right here,” he added. “I hope they proceed to face agency and push again. I am going to have the rainbow on my helmet. It is no completely different to once we have been in Saudi [Arabia].”

ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photograph by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP through Getty Pictures

The remark was received by LGBT news outlets as a direct comparability of the Sunshine State to Saudi Arabia, the place homosexuality is punishable by demise. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocracy that makes use of Sharia legislation.

One particular measure that Hamilton, a Briton who lives in Monaco, criticized was the Parental Rights in Training legislation, which Democrats and the media falsely name the “Do not Say Homosexual” legislation. The legislation doesn’t prohibit anybody from saying the phrase “homosexual,” however does stop educators from educating about sexual orientation and gender id. Florida lawmakers imagine mothers and fathers are answerable for educating their youngsters about such points.

Hamilton emphasized that his downside is with lawmakers, not all Floridians.

“It’s not the folks of Miami who are making these choices, it’s the folks in authorities and that’s the problem,” Hamilton stated.

“I actually do proceed to face the LGBTQ group, and I’m carrying a rainbow flag on my helmet this weekend, and I simply actually wish to proceed to assist the group right here and allow them to know I stand with them, and I hope they proceed to combat in opposition to it,” added the 103-time grand prix winner.

Hamilton completed Friday’s follow in second place behind teammate George Russell, a stunning end result contemplating that Mercedes is experiencing down 12 months. Hamilton himself has just one podium end by way of 4 races this season. Final 12 months, Hamilton completed a disappointing sixth in the inaugural Miami race.

Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen is the favorite to win Sunday’s grand prix.

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