Lewis Hamilton says Ralf Schumacher’s revelation that he is in a same-sex relationship is a “positive message” for Formula 1, but feels more has to be done to promote inclusivity.
Six-time F1 race winner Schumacher made the announcement on social media this week, posting an image 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 another photo of himself 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 to come out in F1’s history, and the first to do so having competed in the 21st Century.
It follows Mike Beuttler, who drove privately-entered Marches in F1 between 1971 and 1973, Lella Lombardi, the first female driver to score a point in 1975, and Mario de Araujo Cabral, who came out almost 50 years after the last of his five F1 race starts in 1964.
F1 drivers were asked in Hungary for their thoughts on Schumacher’s decision and were full of support for the ex-Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver, who made 180 starts between 1997 and 2007.
Hamilton, who has championed LGBTQ+ rights and raced with the six-coloured Pride Flag painted on his helmet in races staged in nations where homosexuality is illegal, said: “I think within sports it still has a long way to go.
Ralf Schumacher, Toyota TF107, 11th position, leads Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-22 Mercedes, 7th position.
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
“It is one thing saying that it is accepted, but it is another thing to make sure that people feel comfortable in the environment.
“This is a male-dominated space and, as far as I know, he is one of the first to publicly be open.
“I think we are very inclusive within our team, but I think the sport does need to continue to do more to help people feel more comfortable, to help women more welcomed in this space. I know there is a lot more to do.”
When pressed whether Schumacher’s decision showed a change in attitude, Hamilton pointed to his and Sebastian Vettel’s decision to support the LGBTQ+ community at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, against a backdrop where the nation’s government was looking to pass laws banning the teachings of LGBTQ+ issues to under-18s.
The Mercedes driver added: “I…
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