Lewis Hamilton has broken his silence on the conflict in Gaza, speaking out publicly following a new United Nations Commission of Inquiry report which concluded that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people – The UN report, published in September 2025, states that there are reasonable grounds to believe that four of the five acts of genocide defined under international law have been committed since Israel’s military offensive against Hamas began in October 2023.
The war was triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and saw 251 people taken hostage. Israel responded with a sustained and devastating campaign in Gaza. According to figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry, which are regarded as credible by the UN, this campaign has killed at least 64,964 Palestinians to date.
The report outlines that these acts include killing members of a group, inflicting serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately creating conditions that destroy lives, and preventing births. Israel has rejected the findings, dismissing the report as distorted and false.
Hamilton, who has repeatedly used his platform over the years to highlight causes ranging from racism to environmental issues, issued a statement via Instagram on 17 September 2025.
He described the deteriorating situation in Gaza, noting that over 10 per cent of the population had been killed or wounded in the past two years, including tens of thousands of children. He added that the latest assault on Gaza City had displaced hundreds of thousands of people, leaving hospitals overwhelmed by famine victims and casualties from relentless bombing. Hamilton concluded with the simple statement, “As human beings, we cannot stand by and let this continue to happen.”
Hamilton’s appeal for aid
The seven-time world champion did more than comment. He encouraged his millions of followers to support humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza by donating to the Palestine Red Crescent, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Save the Children. In his words: “It’s hard not to feel powerless in the face of so much tragedy, but we can’t stand by and do nothing. There are some incredible organisations doing great work to help the people of Palestine, and they need funds to be able to do so.”
This direct appeal reflects Hamilton’s long-standing commitment to using his platform to address global injustice, even when it risks backlash from fans, sponsors or political critics. In recent seasons, Formula 1’s most decorated driver has spoken out on issues that most athletes in the paddock choose to avoid, ranging from Black Lives Matter protests to LGBTQ+ rights in Gulf states.
A storm is brewing in Qatar
Hamilton’s statement comes at a time when the sport itself is facing fresh uncertainty. Earlier this month, Israel carried out an air strike in Qatar targeting members of Hamas’ leadership. Reports suggest that five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed, though most of the intended targets survived. The strike was widely condemned by international leaders, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it “completely unacceptable” and a threat to fragile peace talks.
This extraordinary move has raised concerns about the safety of the Qatar Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place at the Lusail International Circuit at the end of November 2025. With the attack occurring in the nation hosting the race, the implications for Formula 1’s Middle East calendar are obvious.
Speaking to The Observer, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the tragedy but insisted that the event is still scheduled to go ahead.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely,” he said.
“But we are not in a position today to say that it is a concern for the race to go ahead. We hope that sport will bring positivity.”
Rosberg Warning as Wolff Slams Antonelli
Qatar questioned
Qatar itself is also under scrutiny, with its long-standing role as a so-called ‘mediator’ in the conflict drawing accusations that it has gone beyond being neutral. The Gulf state has hosted Hamas’ political leadership for over a decade. Qatari officials defend this relationship as being necessary for facilitating peace talks, but Israel and some Western voices condemn it as outright harbouring of terrorists.
Israel has repeatedly argued that Qatar provides shelter and legitimacy to Hamas operatives, meaning that the air strike earlier this month was not an aberration, but rather a direct consequence of what Israel perceives as state complicity. This, in turn, raises uncomfortable questions for Formula 1 as it relies on Qatar not only as a host nation, but also as a major financial backer of the sport.
Motorsport meets geopolitics
This is not the first time that Formula 1 has faced criticism for going ahead with races amid violent political conflict. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and, prior to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia have all been questioned as hosts. Critics argue that F1’s “global platform” risks being hijacked for sportswashing purposes, providing glamour and distraction while political leaders suppress dissent or prosecute wars.
For Hamilton, the clash between F1’s choice of host nations and his outspoken advocacy has often been awkward. He has openly admitted to feeling uncomfortable about racing in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is punishable by death, and in Qatar, where human rights groups have long highlighted the exploitation of migrant workers.
The tension has now escalated dramatically. If Israel conducts strikes on Qatari soil while the UN labels its actions genocide, can Formula 1 credibly insist that the Qatar Grand Prix is just another stop on the calendar, safely insulated from politics?
The judge’s chambers
Even the most battle-hardened cynics among the jury might find it hard not to raise an eyebrow at this point. Here is Formula 1, which insists that it is ‘apolitical’, preparing to bring its show to Qatar just weeks after that country was bombed by a state accused of genocide. Meanwhile, its most famous driver is sharing UN reports on genocide alongside a link to Save the Children. Hypocritical some might say…
It is a jarring juxtaposition: Hamilton, with his heartfelt call for humanity on one side; Domenicali, assuring us that a high-speed entertainment spectacle will ‘bring positivity’, on the other.
One can almost imagine the solemn F1 press release typed out: ‘Yes, a UN commission has said that four acts of genocide are happening, but please remember to buy your grandstand tickets before they sell out.’
In all fairness, the commercial realities of Formula 1 are clear. Billions are at stake, contracts are signed years in advance, and the sport’s Middle Eastern partners pay handsomely for their slots on the calendar. Yet it is precisely this tension between morality and money that Hamilton’s statement highlights. When a driver cites famine, child casualties and displacement, and the UN discusses genocide, continuing with business as usual begins to look not only tone-deaf, but also grotesque.
Jury deliberation
The Qatar Grand Prix has not been cancelled, but the shadow over it grows darker by the day. Hamilton’s words will only sharpen the spotlight on Formula 1’s willingness to race in a war-torn region with all the usual pageantry, including fireworks, concerts, and the “We Race As One” slogan.
So, what do you make of Hamilton’s intervention, jury? Is he right to speak out, even if it puts him at odds with the sport’s organisers and commercial partners? Should Formula 1 be entertaining the idea of a race in Qatar under these circumstances? Or does Domenicali have a point in saying that sport can provide positivity amid chaos?
The Judge invites your verdict.
Domenicali pushes new F1 rules shocker
MORE F1 NEWS – Ferrari agreement on the future of F1 engines
Vasseur signals breakthrough in F1’s future engine debate – The Ferrari team boss has revealed that Formula One is close to reaching an agreement on the future of its power units. His comments come at a time when the sport is preparing to introduce its next generation of engines, which are scheduled for 2026 and have not yet been tested in real racing conditions.
The timing is significant. While the 2026 regulations have been finalised and manufacturers are deep into development, discussions have begun to consider the decade beyond that. The period after 2030 is the subject of an increasingly heated debate, with questions over performance, sustainability and the identity of Formula 1 itself all on the table…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Clara Marlowe is a Formula 1 writer at TJ13 with over 15 years of experience in motorsport journalism, having contributed features to established sports magazines such as Evo, MCN, Wisden Cricket Monthly and other digital outlets.
Clara specialises in human-interest storytelling, focusing on the individuals behind the sport, including drivers, engineers, and team personnel whose roles are often overlooked in mainstream coverage.
At TJ13, Clara contributes long-form features and narrative-driven pieces that explore the personal and professional journeys within Formula 1. This includes coverage of career-defining moments, internal team dynamics, and the human impact of high-pressure competition.
Clara’s work brings depth and perspective to the sport, complementing news and analysis with stories that highlight the people behind the machinery.
Clara has a particular interest in how personal narratives intersect with performance, and how individual experiences shape outcomes across a Formula 1 season.
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Well done Lewis for speaking out. The more the better. As for Qatar, I’m not a fan of any of these mega-rich middle-east states. It’s a bit ironic though that Qatar should be attacked when for once they’re doing something useful, allowing negotiations to take place. Obviously that’s the last thing Israel wants.