F1 drivers have often advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community – however, how many gay drivers have actually been a part of Formula One?
F1 as a sport, historically doesn’t have a huge representation of 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. Even in the current grid, there is no presence of any gay driver.
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 and Sarah Moore are British racing drivers who raced under Écurie W in the 2021 W Series and under Scuderia W in the 2022 W Series. They are also known for their roles as driving ambassadors for Racing Pride, an LGBT rights charity worker for various organizations.
F1 drivers have always advocated for LGBTQ+ rights
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. Vettel announced his retirement this season and won’t be a part of the F1 grid in 2023, so the onus is on Hamilton to take the fight further.
Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of Hungary’s referendum in 2021 and Qatar Government’s homophobic laws is one of the notable pro-LGBTQ activities in F1. On the other hand, 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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