Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton has slammed controversial Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law right before a Formula 1 race in Miami this weekend.
He likened the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Florida to how queer people are treated in Saudi Arabia, which has a habit of criminalizing homosexuality.
“It’s not good at all,” Hamilton said according to a report from ESPN. “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 from when we were in Saudi.”
Hamilton’s comments coincide with the racing league’s recent three-stop U.S. tour. Over the years, Formula 1 has become increasingly popular in the United States. The other races will be hosted in Austin, Texas and Las Vegas.
The British racer, who also happens to be the only Black driver in the league, has utilized his platform for speaking out in full support of human rights in the past, which also include LGBTQ+ rights.
In support of his pledge against discrimination, Hamilton has developed a knack for wearing a rainbow flag on his helmet when racing in anti-LGBTQ+ countries. He wore it in a race in Saudi Arabia in 2021.
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He didn’t share much sentiments about whether the league should race in Florida or not.
“It’s not for me to decide something like that,” Hamilton continued. “I did hear and have read about some of the decisions that have been made in the 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.”
Hamilton added that it wasn’t the people of Miami who facilitated the passing of those laws.
“I think, hopefully, all I can do – the sport is going to be here whether I am or not – but the least I can do is just continue to be supportive and just being here and having that on my helmet, hopefully that speaks well to the subject,” he said.
Hamilton holds the title for the most wins in Formula 1 history.
DeSantis, who will more than likely run for president in 2024, signed the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law last year. It has been further built up by his administration. On Thursday, the legislature voted to expand it more, while greenlighting other restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in the state.
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