Sebastian Vettel Voices What Will ‘Speed Up the Elimination of Prejudice’ in F1 With Reassuring Statement

Sebastian Vettel is an icon in the Formula 1 world and uses his popularity and platform to speak on issues that matter. As a leader, Vettel has always been vocal about the issues that persist in society and his support for the LGBT community.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the four-time world champion spoke about welcoming openly gay racing drivers into the sport. He also believes that Formula 1 is constantly progressing, and hopes that it won’t be long before we see LGBTQ representation in the sport.

Speaking on whether the paddock will accept gay drivers, he said, “Yes, I do. Perhaps that wouldn’t have been the case in the past, but now I think a gay Formula One driver would be welcomed — and rightly so. I feel that a gay driver would help to speed up the elimination of prejudice and help push our sport in a better direction.”

“Formula One is a very popular sport around the world. It relates to something that a lot of people do every day on a basic level or, even if they don’t drive themselves, they at least come across regularly: driving — or being driven in — a car.”

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“So I do have hope, and therefore I would absolutely welcome a gay Formula One driver. And, as I say, I think and hope our sport would be ready for one.”

In Formula 1’s long history, there have only been 3 open LGBTQ drivers. So, the German believes that the paddock will embrace LGBTQ racing drivers in the future.

Sebastian Vettel reflects on the reason for no LGBTQ representation in F1

While Vettel has said that he wants the motorsport world to evolve and accept inclusion and diversity, in recent years, the sport is yet to see any LGBTQ representation.

When questioned about the reasons a gay Formula One driver would stay in the closet, he said, “I would hope there aren’t any right now, but I guess I’m not the best judge.”

“The reasons might be similar to the situation in a sport like football, for example: the old image of a player or driver as a ‘hero’ who should match a certain set of criteria. But the judging criteria are often just wrong. Who wrote them in the first place? Who got to decide?”

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It is certainly good to see drivers like Sebastian Vettel openly supporting the LGBTQ community. We hope it is only a matter of time before we see the LGBTQ representation in F1.