Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton took a tough stand on Florida’s anti-LGBTQ laws Thursday, comparing the state to what he’s seen from the oppressive Saudi regime.
“It’s not good at all,” Hamilton said (via the AP) in an appearance prior to this weekend’s F1 race in Miami. “I stand by those within the community here. I hope they continue to stand firm and push back. I’ll have the rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different to when we were in Saudi.”
Hamilton, who often races with a rainbow flag on his helmet, has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ community in recent years. When asked about Florida’s new Parental Rights in Education bill, which prohibits school teachers from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation, Hamilton did not say whether he thought F1 should refrain from racing in the state.
“It’s not for me to decide something like that,: Hamilton said. “I did hear and have read about some of the decisions that have been made in government here and I do not agree with it and I do not support it.
“I really do continue to stand with the LGBTQ community and I’m wearing a rainbow flag on my helmet this weekend and I just really want to continue to support the community here and let them know I stand with them and I hope they continue to fight against it.”
The 38-year-old UK native’s seven F1 titles thus far ties the record set by Michael Schumacher, and Hamilton holds the series mark for most wins, with 103.
The sports world reacted to Hamilton’s statements with a culture war mix of praise and criticism.
Good job Hamilton 👏🏻
— CascadiaCoug (@CascadiaCoug) May 4, 2023
Florida, the Western version of Saudi Arabia.
— barbara yarosz 🏡 (@beachyby) May 4, 2023
I can already see the Patriots calling to boycott the Formula One because it’s going woke in 3….2….1….
😂😂😂
— Martin Rios 🟧 (@PsicomartinR) May 4, 2023
Boycotting Hamilton and sponsors
— Hypatia (@Hypatia76221556) May 4, 2023
Lewis is an embarrassment to the sport.
— servingtheKING (@Anonamo61901542) May 4, 2023
He and the other drivers need to boycott the race.
— Bekah (@VectorBoy101) May 4, 2023
He’s the best driver it’s ever seen and a good ambassador for the sport
— David Butler (@DvdButler) May 4, 2023
