FORMULA ONE DRIVERS BASH HUNGARIAN ANTI-LGBT REFERENDUM
Formula One racing is a macho, testosterone fueled world. But two well-known straight cisgender male stars on the circuit proved that that doesn't mean it has to be non-inclusive. On July 21, 2021 NBC Sports announced that Formula One world champions Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton made their opposition known regarding a planned LGBT law referendum by the Hungarian government. [See complete article here: https://bit.ly/F1-vs-Hungary-anti-LGBT-law]. Hungary’s government is backing a national referendum in order to demonstrate public support for a new law that the European Union considers to discriminate against LGBT people. The government's position is that the law will help protect children. However, it is a widely held belief that it is an attack on LGBT rights.
Sebastian Vettel is a German racing driver who currently competes in Formula One for Aston Martin, and has previously driven for BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull and Ferrari. Vettel has won four World Drivers' Championship titles which he won consecutively from 2010 to 2013. Vettel wore a Pride themed mask prior to the race an on the podium of the Hungarian Grand Prix. He also spoke out against an anti-LGBT referendum taking place in Hungary.
Lewis Hamilton (Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton) is a British seven-time Formula One racing champion who currently races for Mercedes, and previously raced on the McLaren team. Hamilton was listed in the 2020 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally, and was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours. Ahead of the Grand Prix held at the end of July, Hamilton posted the following on Instagram, "I wish to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ law. It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power to suggest such a law.” “Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify. I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+, community, they need our support more than ever.”
Hamilton had created some controversy earlier in 2017 when he ‘gender shamed’ his nephew to his 6.4 million Instagram followers for wearing a frilly pink dress. In response to the immediate outcry, he apologized via Twitter stating, “I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all.” One month later, Hamilton was seen at Disneyland Paris with his nephew, who wore a princess dress for the trip while holding hands with his uncle. Furthermore, Hamilton teamed with Tommy Hilfiger to design his own collection for the brand in 2018 that features a kilted outfit.
Vettel and Hamilton have demonstrated through their recent actions that even in the high-powered automotive eco-system that Formula One racing is, people are using their high-visibility platforms to help to make a difference.
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