(Miami) Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 champion, on Thursday denounced the anti-LGBTQ measures adopted by Florida lawmakers, criticizing in particular the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
“It’s not good at all,” Hamilton said on the sidelines of the weekend race in suburban Miami. I support the community here.
“I hope they will continue to fight. I will have the rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different from when we were in Saudi Arabia. »
The only black driver in F1, Hamilton regularly uses his platform to speak about social and race justice, human rights and the LBGTQ community.
The 38-year-old Briton notably speaks out at races in countries with questionable human rights records, including Saudi Arabia.
In the United States, Formula 1 will also be in Austin and Las Vegas.
Hamilton often wears a rainbow flag on his helmet, especially when Formula 1 stops in countries with restrictive laws.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill into state law in late March.
The measure prohibits teachers in Florida public schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Mercedes driver did not venture to say whether F1 should avoid Florida because of such policies.
It’s not for me to decide. I have heard and read some of the decisions made here. I don’t agree with them and I don’t support them. It’s not the people of Miami who make these decisions, it’s the government people. There is the question.
Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1 said earlier this year that drivers would be banned from speaking out on social justice issues at events.
The drivers challenged and the FIA allowed them to answer questions.
Hamilton became the first black winner in F1 in 2008.
The winningest driver in history, he is tied with Michael Schumacher for single-season championships, with seven.