Lewis Hamilton, a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community has voiced his support for Ralf Schumacher after the German made the brave decision to publicly announce he is in a same-sex relationship.
Schumacher, a six-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner turned pundit, posted on social media this week: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share anything.”
The heartfelt caption accompanied a picture of Schumacher arm in arm with his partner, confirming he is in a same-sex relationship.
With the world of motorsport forever striving to be a more inclusive space, Schumacher’s announcement was courageous, given he is in the minority of publicly out professionals in the Formula 1 paddock.
“[Ralf] taking that step sends such a positive message,” Hamilton told media at the Hungaroring on Thursday. “And [it] liberates others to be able to do the same.
“I think it just shows that we are in the time and finally can take that step and don’t have to fear. I think so far I’ve heard only positive feedback from people and I think that’s because of the time we’re living in.”
Still, Hamilton argued that more work needs to be done to help everyone feel safe and respected within the Formula 1 paddock.
“There’s one thing saying that it’s inclusive, and there’s another thing actually making sure that people feel comfortable in the environment,” he said.
“I mean, this is a male-dominated space, and as far as I know, [Ralf is] one of the first to at least publicly be speaking in that respect.
“We’re very inclusive within our team [Mercedes], but I think the sport does need to continue to do more.
“It is about conversation, it is about dialogue with the key stakeholders. It’s about getting information from people who do or don’t feel included or mis-engaged in the community.”
Schumacher has acknowledged the positive support he has received across the industry and fans alike, again writing on social media to say, “Many thanks for the many congratulations and comments, we are very happy and thank you all.”
Of course, social media is a place where negativity and hate speech can largely go unchecked and Hamilton’s fellow drivers Nico Hulkenberg, Oscar Piastri and Fernando Alonso spoke not only on blocking out the hate, but voicing their support for Schumacher after this important moment in his personal life.
“Obviously, it’s a very personal matter, but I congratulate that,” said Hulkenberg.
“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.
“So hate, there’s always going to be hate in the world, especially obviously online. That’s a place where people do and abuse it easily, where they can hide. That’s not great, not fantastic.”
Piastri added “I think it’s great that he feels comfortable in coming out like that.
“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. So, yeah, congratulations to him.”
Alonso voiced his “Total support” for Schumacher and argued that support is widespread across the “whole F1 community.
“It’s great that he feels good and we all feel good for him as well.”
