On Sunday, June 23, during the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton’s headgear bore the slogan “Love is Love” along with the classic six-strip rainbow Pride flag colors.
Hamilton has previously worn a variety of Pride-related designs, such as the Progress Pride flag design with the words “We Stand Together” on his helmet at the Qatar Grand Prix in 2021. This is not the first time Hamilton has showed support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hamilton made a message in locations not known for their acceptance of the LGBTQ+ population by wearing the same helmet during races in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
Concerns were raised about Hamilton’s ability to continue wearing his Pride-themed helmets when the Automobile Federation (FIA) introduced a policy in 2023 that required drivers to obtain written consent before making any “political, religious, or personal statements” while racing.
If drivers disobeyed the rules, the FIA indicated they would risk undefined penalties. But it doesn’t seem like Hamilton broke the rules.
“It’s well and good raising awareness for things but it’s more about the work that’s done in the background, the conversations you continue to have,” Hamilton remarked at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
“The West has come a long, long way to reach their current state. When we visit these locations, all we can do is make an effort to be upbeat and seize the moment. I still wear the flag [in Qatar] because of this.
“As a sport, we must never stop focusing on diversity. Diversity is still a problem.
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