Lewis Hamilton expressed his satisfaction that ex-Formula 1 racer Ralf Schumacher "changed his mind" regarding LGBTQ pride.
Back in 2021, F1 champions Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel publicly opposed the Hungarian government's policies during the Hungarian GP.
Vettel, who has since retired, was prepared to face consequences for his actions, stating he would be "happy if they disqualify me" after he donned a 'Same Love' t-shirt during the national anthem.
Hamilton also made similar public statements.
Initially, Schumacher had criticized the increasing tendency to merge sport with political statements and gestures, specifically targeting Hamilton for "always doing this in a Mercedes suit and on the race tracks."
"His values are very important but he can represent them on Instagram and other social networks," Ralf added.
However, between the British and Hungarian Grands Prix, Schumacher, a victor in six Grand Prix in the past, publicly came out as gay for the first time, revealing his relationship with a male partner through social media, which has been met with considerable applause for his openness.
"It shows that we are finally at a time when you can take this step," stated Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, as per Sport1, ahead of the 2024 Hungarian GP.
"It all started when Seb and I were here on the grid, fighting against what the government is doing here," he continued.
"Ralf thought it was not a good idea to do that at the time," Hamilton mentioned. "Maybe he has changed his mind now."
"The fact that Ralf himself is now taking this step is a positive signal," Hamilton added. "It could encourage others to follow his example."
Probably unbeknownst to Hamilton, 39, Schumacher's partner is Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, a past French politician associated with the far-right. Bousquet-Cassagne's political affiliations lie with Rassemblement National, led by the contentious Marine Le Pen, which has campaigned against what it terms 'LGBT propaganda' and 'gender ideology'.
