BUDAPEST (AP) — Lewis Hamilton and other Formula One figures have rallied behind former driver Ralf Schumacher following the German revealed he has a same-sex partner.
Schumacher, 49, is the younger brother of F1 legend Michael Schumacher and raced at the circuit between 1997 and 2007, winning six races. He recently posted a photo of himself and his partner on social media with the caption: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side to share everything with.”
Hamilton, who has been an outspoken supporter of diversity in sport as well as LGBTQ rights and other causes, said he hopes Schumacher’s decision will prompt others to come out publicly.
“I think it definitely didn’t feel comfortable to say that in the past and it’s definitely not something new,” Hamilton said ahead of the Hungarian GP. “But I think it shows that we’re at a point where you can finally step up and not be afraid.”
“Just by taking that step it sends a positive message and frees up others to do the same and we need more and more people to do the same,” said the Mercedes driver.
Other drivers also supported Schumacher including veteran Fernando Alonso, who competed at the same time as the German.
“Congratulations to him,” said Alonso. “All the support from me and I’m sure from the entire F1 community.”
