Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has publicly come out as gay, receiving support from the record world champion. However, there’s still much to be done in the male-dominated motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton has called Ralf Schumacher’s decision to come out as gay a “positive message” for Formula 1. The record world champion, known for his advocacy for equality and diversity, emphasized that the sport still has a long way to go.
“It’s one thing to say something is inclusive; it’s another to create an environment where those affected feel free and comfortable,” Hamilton said. He noted that Formula 1 is a male-dominated space. “We can do 100 percent more.”
Ralf Schumacher posted a picture on Instagram showing himself arm-in-arm with a man. “The best thing in life is having the right partner by your side to share everything with,” wrote the 49-year-old brother of Formula 1 record world champion Michael Schumacher.
Current Formula 1 drivers, including Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, who raced against Ralf Schumacher, responded positively. “Full support from me, and I’m sure from the entire Formula 1 community,” said the two-time world champion Alonso from Spain. Schumacher’s racing driver son, David, also fully supported his father.
However, Hamilton emphasized that Formula 1 still has a long way to go. The Hungaroring has a history regarding diversity issues. In 2021, Hamilton and four-time German world champion Sebastian Vettel protested against a planned referendum that aimed to restrict the rights of non-heterosexual people in Hungary.
“It was unacceptable, cowardly, and misleading of the authorities to propose such a law,” Hamilton said at the time. “It all started here when Seb and I stood on the grid and fought against the government,” Hamilton recalled.