Formula One: Sebastian Vettel slams critics over wearing Pride shirt at Hungarian GP

Formula One driver for Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team, Sebastian Vettel opened up on his decision to wear Pride shirt during Hungarian Grand Prix on August 1, in support of protest against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation brought in by Government of Hungary. He donned Pride shirt featuring rainbow colours before race, during National Anm ceremony. During a conversation at BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast, four-times World Champion Vettel spoke about his decision to wear shirt.

In podcast, Vettel said, “I wasn't nervous or embarrassed by rainbow colours, or of what people think, I wanted to send a mess, and I was very proud to do it. I remembered I'd seen in news that current government doesn't have most progressive views on certain things. re was a lot of debate about laws that prohibit access to all s getting a wholesome education and leaving some parts out, which I think is completely wrong. So idea was born that we have this moment before race where we are able to put out certain messs, and I thought it was a good opportunity to send out a small sign.”

Sebastian Vettel was disqualified from Hungarian GP

34-year-old Vettel sported a helmet with a rainbow sweeping across it, during 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. He also wore a Pride-coloured face mask and T-shirt with quote- Same Love. When asked about mess in his shirt, Vettel said, “It's name of a beautiful song by Macklemore, and I think it explains in a nice way some of wrong perceptions people have." Following generous gesture by Vettel, LGBTQ+ community heaped praises and support for Vettel. Mercedes’ driver and reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton also took on his Instagram in support of Vettel and said that he will join him next time with same shirt.

In Hungarian GP, Vettel finished second to race winner Esteban Ocon and ahead of third-placed Hamilton. However, he was later disqualified from race as less than 1 litre of fuel was found from his race after race. Vettel was also called by Stewards for wearing Pride t-shirt during National Anm ceremony. FIA had only permitted players to wear t-shirt before National Anm ceremony and t during it.

(Im Source: AP)