Lewis Hamilton believes Ralf Schumacher's revelation that he’s in a same-sex relationship is a “positive message” for Formula 1, but believes more must be done to advertise inclusivity.
Six-time F1 race winner Schumacher made the announcement on social media this week, posting a photograph of himself and his business manager, Étienne, with the words: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side, with whom you can share everything.”
Schumacher posted one other photo of himself along with his partner a day later, saying: “Many thanks for the many congratulations and comments. We are very happy and thank you all.”
The younger brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher is the fourth driver in Formula 1 history and the primary to achieve this within the twenty first century.
It follows the stories of Mike Beuttler, who drove privately entered Marche cars in F1 from 1971 to 1973; Lella Lombardi, the primary female driver to attain some extent in 1975; and Mario de Araujo Cabral, who made his debut almost 50 years after the last of his five F1 starts in 1964.
Formula One drivers were asked in Hungary for his or her opinion on Schumacher's decision they usually expressed their full support for the previous Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver, who made 180 starts between 1997 and 2007.
Hamilton, who’s an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has competed in races in countries where homosexuality is unlawful with a six-colour flag painted on his helmet, said: “I feel we still have a protracted method to go in the game.
Ralf Schumacher, Toyota TF107, eleventh, leads Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-22 Mercedes, seventh.
Photo: Steve Etherington / Motorsports images
“It's one thing to say it's acceptable, but it surely's one other thing entirely to be certain people feel comfortable in that environment.
“It’s a male-dominated space and, so far as I do know, he’s one in all the primary to open it up publicly.
“I think we’re very inclusive on our team, but I think the sport needs to continue to do more to help people feel more comfortable, to help women be more welcome in that space. I know there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Asked if Schumacher’s decision represented a change in attitude, Hamilton pointed to his and Sebastian Vettel’s decision to support the LGBTQ+ community on the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, with the Hungarian government considering passing laws to ban teaching people under 18 about LGBTQ+ issues.
The Mercedes driver added: “I don't know if he felt he wasn't in a position to say it previously. But I feel it just shows that we're at some extent where we are able to finally take that step and we don't must be afraid.
“So far people have been positive about it, but these are different times and it's modified who we’re. And it began with Seb and me standing on the grid here fighting all of the governments which are here [in Hungary]and in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“And if Ralf felt he could do those things, maybe today, that could change his attitude, and even him taking that step sent out such a positive message, and racing drivers need to do the same. And we need more people like that to be able to do that.”
Asked what else F1 might do, Hamilton added: “That’s a very good query. I don’t know if I can consider an answer immediately.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1st, celebrates along with his team within the parc ferme
Photo: Andy Hone / Motorsports images
“But I do know that as a rule, it’s about conversation, about dialogue with key stakeholders. It’s about how we analyze accessibility.
“It's getting information from individuals who feel included or don't feel included. It's engaging the community.
“It's easy; you may survey every body who's here, ask them a couple of questions, and ask them truthfully how they feel and what they think might be done.
“There's a lot you can do. But first you have to talk about it, not ignore that it's a problem, and give it a much higher priority, to move it, and even give people tasks and think about how to make people feel.”
Hamilton wasn’t the just one to back Schumacher. His compatriot Nico Hulkenberg said: “Of course, it’s a very personal thing, but congratulations.”
“And if that’s what he says, then there’s nothing wrong with that in this day and age where diversity and everything else is in play.”
Fernando Alonso, who like Hamilton raced against Schumacher during his driving profession, added: “Congratulations to him. Total support from me and I’m sure the entire F1 community.
“It’s great that he feels good and we all feel good for him too.”
