607a495b6b70e9201a56bd4279cf29693892e47d

'A gay driver would be a very powerful role model'

20:00, 01 Dec 2022

byGPblog.com

Diversity is a very important subject for the Formula 1 organization. With Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel as pioneers, the sport wants to be there for everyone. The road to get there turns out to be one full of hurdles. For example, it is waiting for a woman or gay driver on the F1-grid. Still, we are on the right track, argues Matt Bishop, Aston Martin F1's Chief Communications Officer. He departs at the end of 2022.

Bishop has been active in Formula 1 for almost thirty years. First as a journalist, later in communication positions at McLaren and now Aston Martin. When he arrived in the sport, he was probably the only openly gay man in the paddock. That has now changed, but the LGBTQ+ community is still a small minority. “There are different areas of life, business and culture that seem to attract more LGBTQ+ people than others. If I was working in the Royal Opera house in Covent Garden, I am sure there would be more,” he said to GPblog.

Exceptions

Sport in general traditionally seems to attract a relatively small number of LGBTQ+ people, especially gay men. Lesbians and bisexual women are more often active in sports such as tennis and football. “Motor racing has always been very much the province of white, heterosexual men. There are a very small number of exceptions to that. The biggest exception to that is a black heterosexual man, Lewis Hamilton. The most successful driver in our history. In terms of LGBTQ+ people, we are beginning to see the odd journalist, marketer, the odd comms, PR professional. People like that. Still quite a small number and no drivers for many years.”

It remains remarkable: why not? Bishop thinks for a moment and says: “That’s a good question that we can’t know the 100% answer to, but I will hazard some guesses. I would think that LGBTQ+ people are potentially as interested in anything as anybody else.” Perhaps a role model is needed first, to convince others and also to come out of the closet. Someone like British Olympic diver Tom Daley. He announced a few years ago that he is gay and that he has a relationship with a man.

Powerful speech

The announcement caused a positive 'earthquake' in the United Kingdom. The often cynical English newspapers also reacted positively. Later, Daley captured the Olympic title. “He made a beautiful, compelling, and powerful speech,” said Bishop. “He said words to this affect: ‘I’m proud to be able to say I am an Olympic gold medalist and a gay man. And when I started out as a diver, trying to compete and doing my best, I always thought I’d never manage to get to this day because I thought there was something about me that was different and less accepted. And that would always prevent me from achieving at the very highest level, but here I am. If there is any young person who is thinking about trying to achieve sport at the highest level, if I can be an example or role model to them then I’d be delighted.’ As a result, because he had been well known as an out gay man and a successful diver for some years already, I am told there are many gay men in diving now because if you can see it, you can be it.”

Such a role model can be of incredible importance in motorsport. Matt Bishop invents fictional driver Jonny Jenkins on the spot. A talented boy, who one day wins the Monaco Grand Prix: “On the podium, he sprayed the champagne, walked down and kissed his boyfriend on the lips. Dedicated his win to gay, LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere. He would become, just like Tom Daley, an extraordinary powerful role model. He would also be the biggest superstar in the sporting world.”

Cards

Being a role model takes a lot of strength. Being an example to others is something you would really want to be. It is possible that this is precisely what is stopping LGBTQ+ people in sports coming out. “Life deals you the cards that life deals you. Lewis Hamilton is a role model, and perhaps all he ever wanted to do was race cars which he is extremely good at doing. But because he was the only black driver, perhaps he was dealt a card by life that he has to accept.”

Bishop continues: “He has embraced it enormously, I worked with him for five years when we were at McLaren together. He has been in the sport for 15 years. He started out at 22, now he’s a slightly older man at 37. That writes a passage from 22 to 37. We all do a lot of maturing, and professional sports people do as well. It took time, you grow up and mature. He has embraced Black Lives Matter; he has become one of the most important sporting spokespersons for anti-racism. I think what he is doing is fantastic. If Jonny Jenkins did what I hypothetically suggested, then I would hope he would take on board his responsibility and privilege to be that role model.”

Negativity and bullying

In a perfect world, coming out shouldn't be an issue. No reason for articles in the newspaper. Certainly no negative reactions. “There are 195 countries in the world. In about half of the countries around the world, sex between men is still illegal. In a handful of countries, it is still punishable by the death sentence. We still have a long way to go”, says Bishop. “If a Formula 1 driver came out as gay, he would have an enormous amount of media coverage. At least in the Netherlands and the UK, and many other western countries, I think it would be largely positive. Of course, there would be negatives and bullying on social media, Tom Daley and others have that every day. It’s an unpleasant thing and it’s something they shoulder with courage. But it’s gradually getting less I think.”

There seems to be a discrepancy in Formula 1's policy: on the one hand, the organization is committed to equality. On the other hand, F1 is active in countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where the LGBTQ+ community has hardly any rights. Bishop understands people who say that these countries should therefore be avoided by F1. “If we were to simply go to the countries you mentioned and race in those countries. Simply to go there, take their money, race and fly back home again. Then that would be a big shame. If we didn’t go at all, then we have relinquished any possibility of having a positive impact.”

“We are supporters of #WeRaceAsOne. But it’s not just a hashtag, it’s a way of life and it’s the way we want to represent Formula 1 in the world as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century. Therefore, you as our hosts, know who we are. That we insist on absolute equality between all the genders. And we also know that you have invited us knowing that some of us are gay men, some are lesbian. Some are all the other letters that LGBTQ+ includes. Some of us are in sexual relationships with people whom we are not married. That’s who we are.”

Not to be silent

So, says Bishop; “That’s who you invited, don’t be surprised if that’s who then visits and puts on your motor race. We hope to make it a great motor race and the people that pay to sit in the grandstands have a fantastic time. But we also hope there are people in your countries that have perhaps felt unrepresented or disadvantaged by some of your laws. That will see people who are positive about LGBTQ+ representation and human rights in general have come to the country and not remained silent when we are there. We have said what we have said.”

“Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel in particular, are both coming towards the end of their career, in their mid 30s, both multiple world champions and understood they must use their platform, fame and popularity for the good of humankind. When they go to the countries you’ve mentioned, they stand up and show their values which I think is a wonderful thing.”

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21 Comments

Stef1an 04 December 2022 at 19:56+ 1427

We have one

Toni 02 December 2022 at 17:09+ 4300

just heard a rumour that if Lewis is granted to start from the first row all 2023 season, he's willing to try... guess it's just a rumour

maGnetar 02 December 2022 at 09:29+ 1667

Guess who was the well deserved role model for underrepresented communities?

William Theodore Ribbs Jr.
The first black racing driver from The United States. Total gentleman and a wonderful human being. I implore everyone here to look it up.

Anyone who assumes it is racist to despise Hamilton, can now start crying about something else.

PearlJam 02 December 2022 at 08:27+ 146

All those things are just secondary to what matters and that is driving skills. If a very good deserving driver happens to be gay, etc. then great. But don't select based on ancillary stuff like that. For that matter it would be great to have a driver from the African continent

F1Fan1234 02 December 2022 at 08:14+ 2

There already is a gay driver, they drive the #44 car, so I really don't see the issue here?

MabMav 02 December 2022 at 05:54+ 9040

I want the best drivers in motorsport to be F1 drivers.......that should be the qualification.....it shouldn't matter what their religious views,orientation or skin colour is.......

Neither should drivers be there just because their family has got the wealth to put them there.

But is should be the best drivers,people shouldn't be selected before more qualified drivers to appeal to certain groups if they are not as skilled or has had the track record to show they belong in F1.

It's a pity the same amount of effort is not being put forward to highlight the issues with starving and uneducated people in 3rd world countries,where human rights abuses are very commen.

maGnetar 02 December 2022 at 07:07+ 1667

You have highlighted an important point.
Major corporations and establishment political parties support the woke movement for that simple reason. It keeps the sheep fighting each other, rather than be aware of the real issue with the world we live in - wealth inequality.

Kappa 02 December 2022 at 04:43+ 373

There are some many long standing bigger problems in the world to be solved, hunger comes to mind, poverty, access to education, medical care that affect every single color, gender, religion, continent, country in the world.

am17g10 02 December 2022 at 01:47+ 1382

"Let the best driver drive"..... Nobody is unquestionably and objectively best suited for a role. You can always argue or make the case that someone else is better and has the same or similar qualifications whether in F1 or other industries or sectors. Nothing is more naive to the real world than believing that you can always objectively find the best person for a role. There is always a level of judgement and subjectivity involved in selecting the best driver or the best person for a role or a position especially when their track record or achievements are similar. A gay driver may be selected for marketability purposes if his achievements are good enough just as Zhou was selected to get the Chinese audience in F1 or Mazepin and Stroll for the financial backing they bring.

HUCK 02 December 2022 at 22:10+ 710

This is a valid comment no doubt...you are absolutely correct in that it is and always will be a subjective process...and I have no problem with a qualified driver with a proven track record (see what I did there), who has social "points" that are desirable to the FIA getting a shot...good for them. My issue is with unqualified hacks that get a shot simply due to their social "points". This is what we're seeing in the entertainment industry currently...and it has absolutely decimated the quality of film and tv as a result.

HUCK 02 December 2022 at 24:04+ 710

I'm sure this will be unpopular, but let's just have the best drivers drive...I don't give a damn about their social standing...let's take a lesson from film and tv...clearly lesser qualified people are being given jobs they aren't qualified for, and we're seeing the results.

Magog 01 December 2022 at 23:25+ 9569

They are a sizable portion of the population. No doubt there have been many gay and bi drivers.

ITsVerstappening 01 December 2022 at 22:49+ 1120

How about just getting the best drivers?

John Petto 01 December 2022 at 22:39+ 13

Whether a driver is gay or not, makes no difference to me, nor is it any of my business. For all I know or at least, am aware of, any number of drivers could be gay or bi or even Furries. So, please, don't start making it my business by shoving it in my face and making such a case blatantly obvious. It has absolutely nothing to do with the sport. If LBGTQ, or women, for that matter are to be drivers in F1, they should prove the ability to deserve the position by successfully competing up through the ranks, like all drivers do.

maGnetar 02 December 2022 at 05:46+ 1667

Notice the carefully curated script by the woke brigade
1) Claim victimhood based on lack of representation.
2) Aggressively pursue an agenda to favor a very specific section of the society.
4) When contradicted or questioned about their motive, start peddling the discrimination card and silence the criticisms by forcefully projecting guilt.

Rinse and repeat by shouting about it, incessantly.

This will achieve nothing but disharmony, conflict and gaslighting people with different perspectives into fighting with each other. Nothing but a divisive narrative meant to pit people from different backgrounds, to fight against each other.

Joseph Goebbels will be envious of the woke brigade's playbook. Absolutely farcical and shameful.

Toni 02 December 2022 at 06:36+ 4300

maGnetar, spot on.

CJ77 01 December 2022 at 20:57+ 10555

We should not be giving race seats to people just because they are gay, white, black, female, male or any other option available. We should be giving race seats based on talent and if anyone from the above are good enough then they deserve the seat. Political correctness is going too far these days and sectors suffer because of it. We are diluting the workforce by putting wrong people into the positions just because the government says we have to diversify by x%.

44-8xLegend 01 December 2022 at 21:48+ 33516

"We should not be giving race seats to people just because they are gay, white, black, female, male or any other option available."

Sigh. That's not what's being said. It's that if they are gay, white, black, female, male or whatever, that it shouldn't matter! Yes based on talent, exactly that. Not based on anything else. This is the point and one that went way over your head.

Too many people with this mixed up attitude.
I don't think F1 is about filling diversity quota's. To assume that misses the point altogether. It's to not turn away anyone based on anything other than their talent.

maGnetar 02 December 2022 at 05:39+ 1667

Absolutely spot on.

Everyone has their own preferences. And individuals of all orientation and background should be treated equally.

However, the woke brigade is waging an all out war on the traditional way of life. The LBBTQWXYZ agenda is being aggressively shoved down everyone's throats. Kids are being deliberately brainwashed through academia, social media and entertainment industry into questioning their naturally born gender. That is a different topic though.

Competitive sports is about celebrating results based on ability, skill and perseverance. NOT affirmative action to pander to specific sections of society and achieve predetermined results.

Let Women, gay or any other oriented people perform to the best of their ability based on INDIVIDUAL MERIT.

This is an all-round devolution of society.
REGRESSIVE...not PROGRESSIVE.

Humanity has progressed to this stage from being cave men, NOT by affirmative action or misplaced notions of social justice warriors or self proclaimed vanguards of morality or virtue. But by scientific breakthroughs, individual imagination and achievements, IRRESPECTIVE of their background or orientation.

Mark from Canada 01 December 2022 at 20:37+ 10415

I've seen some of the attitudes in here against women, and I'm willing to bet if any driver were open about being gay they'd be villified, not glorified.

F1 is another sport that would like to "pray away the gay"

While doing so, they pretend they've never had a gay driver, like many other sports pretend gay people were just invented.

The Macho is laughable

Mech Engineer 02 December 2022 at 03:54+ 55278

How well received and welcomed an openly gay person will be accepted in the sports would depend on how actually good he is.
If the person comes in and is straight away shows that he is clearly a very talented driver and will be challenging the likes of Max, Charles, George, Lando or probably Piastri etc ... the top drives in the field, then he will be well received and there will be positive reviews regarding gay drivers on the grid.
On the other hand, if he comes to the sports and makes drivers like Latifi, Grosjean or Maldonado look like rockstars, then that will only fuel negative press and reasons why gay drivers should not be in F1.
The same connotations is true for female drivers in F1 too. If (and a really BIG if) there is a really talented female F1 driver who can come into the field and challenge the front runners, no one will object to that. On the other hand, if finishing in P18 is an achievement, then that merely supports the argument why they should not be around and will only fuel more jokes regarding 'lady drivers' on the road.