Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton have led an overwhelming chorus of support from current Formula 1 drivers after Ralf Schumacher announced he was gay earlier in the week.
Drivers have been asked about the announcement as they participated in day one of the Hungarian Grand Prix in Hungary with McLaren’s Lando Norris saying it was good that Schumacher could now be open.
“You just want people to live their life and be happy and not feel like they are going to get judged, so I’m very happy for him,” said Norris.
The 49-year-old Ralf, younger brother of F1 legend Michale Schumacher, is the most high-profile race driver to come out as gay and announced his relationship with Etienna in an Instagram post on Monday.
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Norris’ McLaren partner, Australian Oscar Piastri said he agreed with Lando that it’s great that Schumacher feels comfortable in coming out.
“I think that’s what we want as a sport, to be inclusive for everybody and have people feel safe in coming out or whatever is in their lives,” Piastri said. “So, yeah, congratulations to him and I think it’s a good thing.”
Former World Champion Lewis Hamilton who raced against Schumacher and who has been very strong in F1 becoming more inclusive was full of praise for the changes in the sport.
“Clearly he has not felt comfortable being able to say it in the past,” Hamilton said to reporters in Budapest.
“It is definitely not a new thing. I think it just shows that we are in a time where finally you can take that step and don’t have to fear.
“So far I’ve heard only positive feedback from people (in F1) and I think that’s because of the times we live in and the changes.”
In 2021 Hamilton spoke out in Hungary against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation while four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel showed support by wearing trainers with a rainbow design.
“I think it all started from Seb and I standing on the grid here (in Hungary), fighting against what the government is doing here, and when I was wearing a helmet in Saudi and Qatar,” Hamilton said.
“Ralf said (then that) it wasn’t a good idea to do those things and perhaps today he dared shift his mind and even him taking that step sends such a positive message.
“It is one thing saying that it’s inclusive and it’s another thing actually making sure people feel comfortable in the environment.”
Fellow German and current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg said he was supportive of his fellow countryman coming out.
“Obviously, it’s a very personal matter, but I congratulate that. And if he’s coming out with that, there’s nothing wrong with that in modern times where diversity and everything is all to play for.”
Another former World Champion Fernando Alonso also supported Schumacher, who he raced against as well.
“Congratulations to him. Total support from my side and I’m sure all the F1 community. And yeah, it’s great that he feels good and we all feel good for him as well,” Alonso said.
Last Updated on Jul 19, 2024
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