Ralf Schumacher has "total support" from F1 drivers for coming out
F1 NewsThursday, 18 July 2024 at 18:22
Formula 1 drivers offered "total support" for Ralf Schumacher who revealed this past week that he is gay and happy to have found love in his life with his male partner.
49-year-old Ralf, younger brother of F1 legend Michale Schumacher, is the most high-profile race driver to come out as gay. The German made 180 Grand Prix starts, finishing on the podium 27 times, six of those occasions as a winner.
F1 drivers were quizzed on Thursday about the news during the pre-Hungarian Grand Prix race weekend FIA-hosted press conference in Budapest.
Fellow German and Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg said: "Obviously, it's a very personal matter, but I congratulate that. 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. But other than that, yeah, all good," reckoned Hulkenberg.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri agreed: "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 and I think it's a good thing."
As did Fernando Alonso, who raced against Ralf: "Yeah, same comments. Congratulations to him. Total support from my side and I'm sure all the F1 community. And yeah, it's great that he feels good and we all feel good for him as well."
Hamilton: So far I've heard only positive feedback from people
Lewis Hamilton, who also raced against Ralf, told reporters, including Reuters: "Clearly he has not felt comfortable being able to say it in the past. It is definitely not a new thing. I think it just shows that we are in a time where finally you can take that step and don't have to fear.
"So far I've heard only positive feedback from people (in F1) and I think that's because of the times we live in and the changes," reckoned Hamilton, who has taken a strong stance on LGBTQ+ issues over the years and has worn a Progress Pride helmet in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
In 2021 he spoke out in Hungary against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation while four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel showed support by wearing trainers with a rainbow design.
"I think it all started from Seb and I standing on the grid here (in Hungary), fighting against what the government is doing here, and when I was wearing a helmet in Saudi and Qatar," Hamilton said on Thursday of the changing attitudes.
"Ralf said (then that) it wasn't a good idea to do those things and perhaps today he dared shift his mind and even him taking that step sends such a positive message," added the Briton.
Hamilton said the sport, which has not had a female race driver since 1976, should do more to be truly welcoming. He suggested an anonymous questionnaire for all involved: "It is one thing saying that it's inclusive and it's another thing actually making sure people feel comfortable in the environment."
A Formula 1 spokesperson said Ralf's announcement was "a very positive thing"
"We are very inclusive within our team but I think the sport does need to continue to do more to make people feel more comfortable and make women feel more welcome in this space because I know they have not always been treated well," added Hamilton.
A Formula 1 spokesperson said Ralf's announcement was "a very positive thing" and showed F1 had taken big steps forward in inclusivity and diversity. 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."
Ralf's sexuality was sometimes alluded to by paddock insiders during his time as a grand prix racer but more often ignored and his privacy respected.
McLaren's Lando Norris said it was good to be open: "Whether it's this or talking about mental health, you just want people to live their life and be happy and not feel like they are going to get judged, so I'm very happy for him," said the Briton.
Shortly after the news broke, another driver who raced against Ralf, 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve hailed the coming out too: "This is great news for Ralf, I am very very happy for him and I can’t imagine how difficult all those years must have been having to carry the weight of hiding."
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