Lewis Hamilton calls on Saudi Arabia to improve human rights record

Lewis Hamilton says it should be «easy» for Saudi Arabia to make changes to improve human rights.

The country's record on human rights is in the spotlight on the eve of the second Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver said it was «mind-blowing» to hear some of the stories about abuses in Saudi Arabia.

«Ultimately it is the responsibility of those in power to make the changes and we're not really seeing enough. We need to see more,» Hamilton said.

Human rights group Reprieve has said that Saudi Arabia executed 81 men on 12 March, a further 16 since then and 108 in total so far this year.

And the regime has been accused of using events such as the grand prix to «sports wash» its reputation.

Hamilton said his position on racing in Saudi Arabia had not changed since last year when he said he was not comfortable being in the country.

The seven-time champion said it was «not [the drivers'] responsibility» to bring about change on human rights.

But he added: «We try and do what we can and it's important we try to educate ourselves and with the little bit of difference we can try to make make sure we are doing something.»

He added: «There is not a lot I can say that will make any difference. It's mind-blowing to hear the stories. I've heard there is a letter been sent to me from a 14-year-old on death row. When you're 14 you don't know what the hell you're doing in life.

»But we don't decide where we go [to race]. I think we do have an opportunity to try; we are duty bound to try and do what we can while we're here."

He was referring to the case of Abdullah al-Howaiti, who was arrested in 2017 aged 14 and sentenced to death aged 17.

His family have written to Hamilton to ask him to intervene.

F1 has said that it believes it can