Elite athletes in the high-media specialty, as mass idols, have a huge social responsibility to spread the necessary messages to the people. And F1 should be an example of this in its fight against racism through campaigns and events, as well as in the defense of equality and freedom.
Despite the fact that in 2023 the FIA established in the regulations that drivers do not make statements at the Grand Prix about political, religious and personal issues, something that has not been able to silence anyone, The time of the boss was a Bernie Ecclestone is long gone. Bernie said, in 2014, that he agreed with Vladimir Putin’s policies, which prohibit the dissemination and “distribution of information” about homosexuality to minors. Now, with Liberty Media at the helm. We have that behind us.
F1 is still a men’s sport, with testosterone through a pipe in the pit lane, but nothing compares to what it used to be. Back then there were gay drivers who didn’t want to reveal when they were behind the wheel for whatever reason. But that’s in the past. And there are many examples, the last one, the act of Ralf Schumacher to announce that he has a girlfriend through social networks.a post that went viral and became full of messages of pride and applause for the step forward and the example he set in his action.
That’s something that shouldn’t be news anymore because no one should care about anyone’s sexual status. But it should still be an example for society to continue breaking down the barriers of hatred around the world, because the Michael Schumacher’s brother is the most successful, media and recognized driver to do so.
The opinion of Alonso, Hülkenberg and Piastri
The F1 drivers talked about it at the press conference on Thursday. Hülkenberg, Oscar Piastri and Fernando Alonso, three pilots from different generations, were asked the same message. That of freedom.
“I saw it too. Obviously, it’s a very personal matter, but I congratulate him. There’s nothing wrong with it in modern times of diversity. There will always be hate in the world, especially obviously online. That’s a place where People abuse hate easily , where they can hide. That’s not great, it’s not amazing, but everything is fine,” said Nico Hülkenberg, the first to answer.
“It’s funny that he feels comfortable saying this. I think that’s what we want as a sport, to be inclusive for everyone and for people to feel safe in whatever it is in their lives. So, yeah, congratulations to him and I think it’s a good thing,” argued Piastri.
“Yes, I say the same. Congratulations to him. Full support from me and I’m sure from the entire F1 community. And yes, it’s great that he feels good and we all feel good for him too,” commented Fernando Alonso .
Pilots, as examples
It should be remembered that, apart from F1’s ‘We Race as One’ campaign, in the fight against racism and inequality, the drivers themselves have taken many actions in recent years in favor of the LGBTQ+ community and its freedoms .
The majority, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Lewis wore a rainbow helmet at Miami 2023 to demonstrate against Florida’s homophobic and transphobic laws and did not hesitate to continue wearing the rainbow flag on his helmet in Qatar.
For his part, Vettel wore a t-shirt defending the LGBTQ+ group at the ceremony before the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with the slogan ‘Same Love’ against the government’s policies, which at the time approved a law that prohibits talking about sex. and gender diversity in educational centers in the country.
“I would do it again. I’m happy if they disqualify me. They do what they want, it doesn’t matter to me,” commented Vettel, who finally received a reprimand because at the time of the anthem “the drivers must put on their racing suits.” Additionally, in Saudi Arabia, Vettel organized a women-only karting event, and wore rainbow colored shoes.
Vettel “F1 is ready to have a gay driver”
“It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, it doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter who you fall in love with. In the end, you just want equal. treatment for everyone. Everyone has the same rights love,” said Vettel a few years ago, assuring with pride and satisfaction that finally “F1 is ready to have a homosexual driver.”
Previous examples
Before Michael Schumacher’s case, Mário ‘Nicha’ de Araújo Cabral’s, who contested 4 Grand Prix from 1959 to 1964, Lella Lombardi, one of the five women who drove in Formula 1, an LGTBI+ icon in racing, was known. cars and the only woman to score points in Formula 1, and Mike Beuttler, who drove in F1 from 1971 to 1973. However, Beuttler had to live a hidden reality because he could not reveal his sexual orientation to the world as he considered that The racing world is not ready to accept his true personality. Now it is.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
