Hamilton: Ralf Schumacher coming out is great but we can do more

Lewis Hamilton has praised Formula 1’s increasingly progressive environment, which led to Ralf Schumacher coming out, but thinks the sport could still be more inclusive.
Schumacher, the 49-year-old younger brother of Michael, is a commentator for Sky Sports in Germany and a former F1 driver. He posted an image on Instagram on Sunday of him alongside his partner, with the caption: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.”
Hamilton has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, including in Hungary in 2021 when he and Sebastian Vettel spoke out in support of gay rights before a referendum was held on a law that included a ban on the depiction or promotion of homosexuality and gender change to under-18s. Hamilton has also worn helmets emblazoned with the pride flag in countries such as Qatar where homosexuality is illegal.
“Clearly he’s [Ralf] not felt comfortable enough to say it [that he’s in a relationship with a man] in the past,” Hamilton said. “But it just shows that we are in the time and finally can take that step and don’t have to fear.
“Within sports, it still has a huge, a long way to go. There’s one thing saying that it’s inclusive, and there’s another thing actually making sure that people feel comfortable in the environment. This is a male-dominated space and, as far as I know, he’s one of the first to at least publicly be speaking in that respect.
“I would love to come up with a solution, but I don’t have the solution. I do know, more often than not, it is about conversation, it is about dialogue with the key stakeholders. You could do a questionnaire for every single person that’s here [the media and wider paddock] and ask them how they feel. It is firstly speaking about it, rather than ignoring that it is an issue or having it at the bottom of the priority list.”
Schumacher himself has commented on the division between drivers as to whether to comment on social and political issues, feeling that Hamilton should not have mixed the two.
“It can be polarising. If the drivers rush into things like that too much, it is dangerous ‒ the sport doesn’t deserve that,” he said in 2020. Hamilton remembered those comments and highlighted that Schumacher’s own view has shifted over the years and sends a positive message.
F1 is supportive of drivers making statements in support of LGBTQ+ rights and causes and was encouraged by Schumacher’s announcement.
“It is a very positive thing for the sport and for Ralf that he has announced this news,” an F1 spokesperson said. “It shows that F1 has taken big steps forward in inclusivity and diversity and he feels able to be open about his sexuality.
“We want to keep pushing to ensure everyone feels accepted and welcomed for who they are but we should all be proud of the progress we are making. We want to show everyone that our incredible sport is open to you.”