Mechanics work on George Russell’s car in Baku on Thursday. Photo Ozan KOSE / AFP
Formula 1 is no longer that category where drivers are responsible for racing and nothing else. For a long time they have been involved in social causes, such as fighting for the rights of the LGBT ++ community. Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel has already done so, wearing the colors of the rainbow flag on his helmet during the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. In the meantime, Mercedes has decided that its logo will adopt those seven colors during the next three Grands Prix.
The German team and eight-time consecutive F1 champion has announced that its historic star will feature the colors of the rainbow at races in Azerbaijan, Canada and Great Britaindates 8, 9 and 10 of the Formula 1 World Cup 2022, to participate in the “Month of Pride” of the LGBT ++ community.
The reigning manufacturers’ champions will put the new logo, which they call Pride Star, on the cars of drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Therefore, the “Star of Pride” will appear on the front of the vehicles and on the helmets of both drivers.
As explained by the Mercedes team, it’s about “raising awareness of Pride month and what it stands for,” plus “add your voice to the global celebration of the LGBTQ ++ community”.
From the leadership of the British Hamiltonwho was one of those who carried on the struggle and protests of the “Black Lives Matter” movement in F1, the Mercedes team has developed initiatives for greater inclusion and diversity in motorsports in a category dominated, in its majority, by whites and European pilots.
For several years Lewis Hamilton has been out in support of social causes and even promoted Mercedes. Photo OZAN KOSE / AFP
The controversy with the FIA
However, in recent days there has also been controversy and criticism due to the statements of the president of the FIA, the FIFA of motorsport. In an interview with Grand Prix247 Ben Sulayem, elected in December last year, described motorsport as “too political”, before highlighting Vettel’s advocacy of LGBTQ ++ rights, Hamilton’s activism on human rights issues and Norris’ attempts to starting conversations about health, mentally and comparing the trio to the previous world champions Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, who he said were “only interested in driving”.
Ben Sulayem with Guenther Steiner, the Haas team leader, and Franz Tost, the manager of Alpha Tauri. Photo ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP
“Now, Vettel is riding a rainbow bike, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris is into mental health. Everyone has the right to think. For me, it’s about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs on something related to sport. all over the world .time. I come from an Arab culture, do I impose my beliefs on other people? There is no way! Never. If you look at my operation in the United Arab Emirates: 16 nationalities! Tell me a federation that has many nationalities. Furthermore, there are more than 34% of women and seven religions. And even more Christians than Muslims. I am proud because it creates credibility and merit. But am I going to declare my beliefs? He didn’t answer.
Now, with the drivers ready to take on the media on the Friday before the Azerbaijani Grand Prix, the FIA president had to use his social media to clarify his remarks and change his speech. “As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst for social progress. This is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate. Likewise, I appreciate the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future“, He explained.
Craig Slater, of Sky Sports, revealed that the FIA stressed that its president “in no way” seeks to end driver activism, although he acknowledged that the timing of Ben Sulayem’s comments was “unfortunate”as several teams, such as Mercedes in Baku, Montreal and Silverstone, will currently support the LGBT ++ community during Pride Month.
Vettel, the first pilot on the cover of an LGBT + magazine
This week, Attitude magazine had an unexpected cover owner: four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, the first driver to grace the cover of an LGBT + magazine. There, the German explained that the sport must continue to compete in countries with poor LGBT ++ rights, due to its ability to drive change.
“When it comes to LGBTQ + rights, there are some countries we visit that are more difficult than others. We may refuse to rush there, but what happens then?If we don’t run, we won’t be able to make a difference. But by competing in those countries and politely but firmly defending what is important, we can have a positive impact. Values and principles cannot stop at borders “, she acknowledged.
Source: Clarin
