Sebastian Vettel was one of the first drivers to show his support for the different communities with problems in society, and he did it publicly in a place with a lot of exposure. The German put on a shirt defending the LGBTQ+ group at the ceremony prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix, something that would not be so striking if homosexuality was so frowned upon in that country.
In this nation it is not forbidden to be homosexual, but families with same-sex couples have fewer rights, in addition to the fact that the Hungarian government passed legislation that restricts civil rights.
That wasn’t all, as another LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia hosted a women-only karting event, sporting rainbow-colored sneakers as a show of support.
In the middle of 2022 , Vettel has become more than just a pilot by showing the human side beyond sport, and he has been honest again in an interview with “the best-selling gay magazine” Attitude , of which he has been on the cover.
“I find it shameful that a country like Hungary, in the European Union, has passed a law [that prohibits the representation of homosexuality to those under 18 years of age],” explained the Aston Martin man.
“We have had many opportunities to learn from the past, and I cannot understand why they have a hard time seeing that everyone should be free to love whoever they want. I understand that it is not up to us, as Formula 1 drivers, to make the law, But I think it’s up to us to express our support for those who are affected by these things,” he said.
The four-time world champion did not limit himself to defending the rights of this community, but also warmly welcomed a potential homosexual driver : “Perhaps it would not have been like that in the past, but now I think that a gay Formula 1 driver would be well received, and rightly so.
“I think a gay driver would help speed up the elimination of prejudice and help push our sport in a better direction, so I think, and I hope, that our sport is ready for one.”
The German, despite the fact that he has not seen homophobic acts in Formula 1, has been able to indirectly experience some similar things.
“I haven’t seen it directly, but I have heard people speak negatively about LGBTQ people and the community,” Vettel said. “Whenever I’ve heard those things, it’s seemed wrong to me, but today I have more confidence to speak out. Homophobia is prejudice, and prejudice is wrong, it’s that simple.”
“Formula 1 will race in 23 countries this year [although it’s actually 18 counting circuits in repeat nations]. When it comes to LGBTQ rights, there are some countries we visit that are tougher than others. We could refuse to race there But what would happen then? If we didn’t run, we couldn’t change anything, but if we do, we defend politely and firmly, something that is important, we can have a positive impact. Values and principles cannot stop at borders.” , said the four-time champion.
Sebastian Vettel is also aware that Formula 1 has been a very closed category, in which the mentality has opened up over the years, and compares it to football , with which it has many similarities. In both sports, the figure of men has been predominant, and despite the fact that women have gained prominence, unfortunately, the point at which both sexes are viewed equally has not yet been reached.
“I guess it could be similar to the situation in a sport like football, the old image of a player or driver as a ‘hero’ who has to meet a set of criteria.”
“But the endpoints are just wrong. How do those stereotypes relate to performance? Who’s to decide? It takes tremendous courage to show your true self instead of hiding behind a facade based on what people expect.” “, sentenced a Vettel who spoke openly.
