June is not any ordinary month of the year. It is in fact Pride Month, which is a month-long celebration of members of the LGBTQ+ Community. Many sports stars are beginning to come out as members of the LGBTQ+ Community. Yet, in Formula 1, there are currently no openly LGBTQ members on the grid. In the sports history, there have only been three open members of the community behind the wheel. The grid is full of LGBTQ allies however, one being Sebastian Vettel. The Aston-Martin driver graced the cover of Attitude, a gay lifestyle magazine, to discuss F1’s place in the LGBTQ+ Community.
Is F1 a Progressive Sport?
In conversation with Attitude’s Darren Styles, Vettel addressed LGBTQ presence in F1 as well as homophobia in the sport. He acknowledged that there has, and there always will be, members of the LGBTQ+ Community in F1. Whether they feel comfortable with coming out, or want to come out, is a different matter. Vettel feels that F1 is progressing with the wider world, but there is much more that to be done for the Community.
Why do Grand Prix Locations Matter for Vettel?
A way in which Vettel hopes F1 can do more is by welcoming an openly gay driver. In his interview, he expressed his belief that an out driver would be welcomed into the paddock with warmth. Vettel also stated that by welcoming an LGBTQ+ driver will helped eliminate any prejudice that is still present in the sport. As an ally, Vettel has openly campaigned against homophobic prejudices in F1. At the 2021 Hungary Grand Prix, Vettel was seen wearing a rainbow t-shirt, with ‘Same Love’ written on it. This was in support of Hungarian LGBTQ+ members after homophobic laws were introduced in the country.
F1 has faced scrutiny for holding Grand Prix’s in countries that are openly homophobic, such as Saudi Arabia. At this Grand Prix, Vettel wore rainbow Converse shoes. In response to being asked about his opinion on racing in homophobic countries, he stated that they should still race there. Vettel believes that by not racing at these countries, F1 will achieve nothing for the LGBTQ+ Community. Instead, by racing and standing up for members of the community, positive change can be made.
Throughout the interview, Vettel stated that he has had no regrets in campaigning for and supporting the LGBTQ+ Community. Even when the FIA disagree. Like fellow driver, Lewis Hamilton, Vettel is keen to make a change in F1. His unwavering dedication to stamping out prejudice in the sport is needed in F1 if the sport is to welcome everyone, no matter who they are.