MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Famed Method One driver Lewis Hamilton will put on a rainbow-adorned helmet this weekend in assist of the LGBTQ neighborhood’s battle in opposition to laws it has deemed as hostile.
Hamilton, a long-time supporter of LGBTQ rights, did not name out any particular laws in Florida, the place the “Do not Say Homosexual” training regulation and a proposed measure in opposition to drag performances have drawn fireplace from civil rights advocates.
“I did hear and have examine a few of the selections which have been made in authorities right here and I don’t agree with it and I don’t assist it,” the British racer advised reporters forward of the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.
“I actually do proceed to face with the LGBTQ neighborhood and I’m sporting a rainbow flag on my helmet this weekend,” he continued. “I simply actually wish to proceed to assist the neighborhood right here and allow them to know I stand with them and I hope they proceed to struggle in opposition to it.”
Hamilton’s feedback got here the identical day as Florida’s state Senate handed a ban in opposition to gender-affirming therapy for transgender minors.
Hamilton, one of many world’s most well-known F1 racers who’s fourth within the standings, stopped in need of saying he’d oppose holding future races in Florida.
“It’s not for me to resolve one thing like that” he mentioned.
Hamilton made a transparent distinction between residents of Miami and the lawmakers in Tallahassee.
“It’s not the individuals in Miami which can be making these selections, it’s the individuals in authorities and that’s the difficulty,” he mentioned. “The game goes to be right here whether or not or not I’m. While I’m right here, I’m simply going to attempt to proceed to be supportive and simply by being right here and having that on my helmet hopefully that speaks volumes. Hopefully.”
Hamilton did not point out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by title although the potential GOP presidential candidate has not shied away from these lightning rod points in elevating his nationwide profile.
A consultant for the governor couldn’t be instantly reached for remark Friday.
Dustin Lengthy reported from Miami Gardens and David Ok. Li from New York Metropolis.