Bahrain Mirror: The Telegraph addressed "the storm of abuse" that the British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton invited on Sunday afternoon after "professing his adoration of Bahrain culture," in a tweet.

"Hamilton's tweet was pounced upon by a number of users who saw the post as tasteless given the controversy surrounding the Sunni royal family's history of rule," the newspaper stated.

It further included in its article a number of tweets sent in response to Hamilton's tweet. "Bahrain's political culture involves torture and repression. But hey, it gives Lewis Hamilton a new outfit to wear," read one tweet.

The Mercedes driver tweeted a picture of himself adorned in the white robe prior the start of the race, posting "Nothing but love and respect for this culture! Feeling royal!".

Nothing but love and respect for this culture, and Bahrain!! Feeling royal! 🇧🇭🇧🇭🇧🇭 #BahrainGP #LetsGO #TeamLH pic.twitter.com/CsyHpPrvol

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 3, 2016

Another user responded: "Erm @LewisHamilton It's a dictatorship, Lewis. They prosecuted doctors who treated protestors beaten by the police".

@LewisHamilton love for the lack of human rights too..?

— Swindonian (@SouthCoastRed) April 3, 2016

The Telegraph also noted that "a number of eagle-eyed followers pointed out that the British driver was sporting a Jesus Christ medallion around his neck, very much in stark contrast to the Muslim culture of Bahrain, as one of them said: "@LewisHamilton The Jesus piece isn't very respectful to their culture, is it..."

Hamilton, 31, arrived at the Bahrain International circuit in Sakhir dressed in a full white thobe, the traditional attire worn by the Arabic elite.

The British newspaper also mentioned that the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy has written to Jean Todt, president of the FIA, to raise concerns over the Bahrain government's human rights record."

"Since 2011 the government of Bahrain has continued imprisoning and torturing those expressing dissent. It is widely recognised that the government response is characterised by the unlawful use of state violence, injuring hundreds of people," The Telegraph added, quoting the letter.

The Telegraph also highlighted that "the Bahrain fixture has been dubbed 'The Race of Blood' after violent protests ahead of the 2011 Grand Prix caused the race to be cancelled," noting that "the controversy surrounding Bahrain's human rights record has made the race's place in the Formula One calendar a disputed issue in recent years.

Arabic Version