Lewis Hamilton says he was proud of Sebastian Vettel for standing in favour of LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary last weekend, despite the German receiving a reprimand from the FIA for breaching pre-race protocol.
Ahead of the 11th round of the 2021 F1 world championship in Budapest, both Hamilton and Vettel voiced their concerns over a piece of legislation recently passed by the Hungarian government that aims to ban the representation of homosexuals and transgender individuals in schools or entertainment programs destined to under 18-year-olds.
Hamilton called the anti-LGBTQ+ law "unacceptable and cowerdly", while Vettel promoted the LGBTQ+ community's rights on his helmet and trainers all weekend.
But the four-time world champion also wore a rainbow-coloured "Same Love" t-shirt during the pre-race ceremonial.
However, Vettel also wore the shirt during the event's national anthem, which earned the German a formal reprimand, along with Valtteri Bottas, Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll who all wore their 'WeRaceAsOne' t-shirts during the anthem.
While drivers are allowed to display a message during the pre-race ceremonies, they must revert to their standard overalls for the anthem formality.
Speaking after the race, Vettel was unapologetic for the pre-race breach.
"They can do whatever they want to me, I don’t care. I would do it again," he said.
And Hamilton praised his friend and former arch-rival for taking a stand against an important diversity and discriminatory issue in Hungary that has sparked widespread criticism from the international community.
"I think it’s wonderful that Seb has taken a stance this weekend, really to speak out for those in the LGBTQ+ community here," Hamilton said.
"I spoke about it the beginning of the weekend. I think it was important for him to do so. He probably won’t be in too much trouble.
"But we have to make a stand. We’re pushing for diversity and inclusivity, and that community, 100%, is included in that. I’m proud of him for it."
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has warned that McLaren’s 2026 challenger may not…
Thursday’s action at the Bahrain International Circuit delivered plenty of eye-catching moments as pre-season preparations…
Mercedes continued to set the pace on Thursday at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Kimi…
Toto Wolff has dismissed Formula 1’s escalating compression ratio controversy as “a storm in a…
Ferrari raised a few eyebrows in the F1 paddock in Bahrain on Thursday by unveiling…
Stephen South, born on this day 74 years ago, once rose through the junior ranks…