The LGBTQ community celebrates the ‘Pride Month’ in June to commemorate years of struggle for civil rights and equality
F1 as a sport, historically doesn’t have a huge representation from the LGBTQ community. At present, the only known gay Formula One driver is Mike Beuttler. Beuttler raced under March in Formula One between 1971 and 1973. Despite limited LGBTQ+ representation on the current grid, many drivers, organizations, and the FIA have shown support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Mike Beuttler competed in 29 races, with a top finishing of seventh place at the 1973 Spanish Grand Prix. Whereafter the 1973 oil crisis in Britain forced his retirement at the age of 34.Due to the stigma associated with homosexuality, Mike Beuttler was not openly gay, although close friends, fellow racers, and family were said to have been aware of his sexuality.
In Formula W, there have been two drivers who have come out as openly gay/lesbian.Abbie Eaton is a British racing driver who raced under Écurie W in the 2021 W Series and under Scuderia W in the 2022 W Series. She is also known for her role as a driving ambassador for Racing Pride, an LGBT rights charity worker for various organizations.
Similar to Abbie Eaton, Sarah Moore is a British racing driver who raced under Hitech GP in the 2019 W Series and Scuderia Win the 2021 and 2022 W Series. Along with her racing achievements, Sarah Moore is a driving ambassador for Racing Pride and an LGBT rights charity worker for various organizations.
Which F1 Drivers have expressed their support for the LGBTQ+ community?
Despite the lack of LGBTQ+ representation on the current Formula One grid, many of the current Formula drivers have shown open support for the LGBTQ+ community. Two notable LGBTQ+ supports/allies recognized by Racing Pride are Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
In 2020 and 2021, Lewis Hamilton wore a helmet adorned with the rainbow colors of the gay pride flag and the wording “We Stand Together” at the Qatar GP. The reason was to take a stance against the Kingdom of Qatar’s openly homophobic law, which Lewis Hamilton described as “terrifying.”
Similar to Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of Hungary’s referendum in 2021, Sebastian Vettel wore a gay pride-themed face mask and t-shirt at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, along with the following statement: “Everyone has the same right to love.”
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