Lewis Hamilton has cast doubt over Formula One’s claims that the sport brings about positive change in some of the repressive regimes where it races. In the buildup to the opening race of the new season in Bahrain on Sunday the seven-time champion insisted F1 should do more to make a difference to improve conditions in states highly criticised for their human rights records such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia...

“F1 is much stronger to do what we are doing because we are there, to be there to monitor what they are doing,” [CEO, Stefano Domenicali] said. “I truly believe in keeping the pressure in the right way, because what I have learned is that if you want to be respected by people who think differently from you, the best way is not to shout at them.”

Human rights groups including Bird have dismissed the argument, in the case specifically of Bahrain arguing that repression has only worsened since F1 began competing there. They have alleged that “forced disappearances, extrajudicial killing and torture” have continued despite F1’s presence in the kingdom for almost 20 years.

Hamilton, who has been outspoken in his defence of human rights, did not accept F1’s claim to be making a difference and said he felt sympathy for the people of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia...