Hamilton praised Ralf Schumacher's Coming-Out, but .
Ralf Schumacher's Photo with His Partner Receives Much Attention - Ex-Formula 1 Driver Receives Much Recognition for Coming Out. Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton supports Ralf Schumacher's step, making his relationship with a man public, referring to it as a "positive message" for Formula 1. However, Hamilton also urged that the Formula 1 industry has a long way to go.
Lewis Hamilton considers Ralf Schumacher's move, making his relationship with a man public, as a "positive message" for Formula 1. The renowned champion for equality and diversity in Formula 1 urged that the industry has a lot more to do.
"It's one thing to say something is inclusive, but it's another to create an environment where those affected feel free and comfortable," said Hamilton. Formula 1 is a space dominated by men, "We can do 100% more."
Ralf Schumacher showed himself in an Instagram post, arm in arm with a man. The 49-year-old brother of Formula-1 record world champion Michael Schumacher wrote, "The best thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side, with whom you can share everything."
Schumacher and his partner Etienne have already shown themselves delighted by many positive reactions. "Ralf & Etienne are overwhelmed by the many wonderful, worldwide responses. Nobody had expected that," explained a family spokesperson. Negative comments were criticized by fellow German Nico Hülkenberg in Budapest: "There's always hate in the world and especially online, where people are practically anonymous. That's not cool."
Memory of Vettel and Hamilton's Protest in Hungary
Among the current Formula 1 drivers, Hamilton and also Fernando Alonso, who both raced against Ralf Schumacher, responded positively. "Total support from me, and I'm sure the entire Formula 1 community is as well," said the two-time world champion Alonso from Spain. Schumacher will be in action as an expert for Sky this weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and RTL will broadcast the qualification (Saturday, 4 pm) and the race (Sunday, 3 pm) live.
However, Hamilton emphasized that there is still a long way to go for Formula 1. Around the topic of diversity, there is a history at the Hungaroring. In 2021, Hamilton and the four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel protested against a planned referendum against the rights of non-heterosexual people in Hungary. It's inappropriate, cowardly, and misleading of the powers that be to propose such a law, Hamilton had pointed out at the time.
Vettel wore a rainbow-colored T-shirt for the occasion to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, a group of people with different identities and sexual orientations. Vettel was warned for the action before the playing of the national anthem. "It all started when Seb and I stood on the grid and fought against the government," said Hamilton now.
Sebastian Vettel joined Hamilton in standing against the proposed referendum against LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary, wearing a rainbow-colored T-shirt as a show of solidarity. Hamilton acknowledged this as the beginning of their collective fight for equality in Formula 1.
Despite the support from Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton emphasized that Formula 1 still has a significant distance to cover in terms of promoting and upholding diversity. He reiterated that creating an inclusive environment where all feel welcomed and comfortable is crucial.
Given the long history of diversity issues at the Hungaroring, it's clear that ongoing efforts are necessary to foster a more accepting and equal environment within Formula 1.
