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Formula One: Sebastian Vettel and three others reprimanded for not removing LGBTQ+ rights t-shirts before anthem

Reuters
Budapest, HungaryUpdated: Aug 02, 2021, 08:12 AM IST
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Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel wearing a rainbow shirt before the race Pool. Photograph:(Reuters)

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Vettel was wearing a rainbow coloured t-shirt with the message "Same Love" on the grid ahead of the start of the race.

Four-times Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel was reprimanded for not removing a t-shirt promoting LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the national anthem at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The German was wearing a rainbow coloured t-shirt with the message "Same Love" on the grid ahead of the start of the race.

Three other drivers -- Mercedes` Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz and Vettel`s Aston Martin team mate Lance Stroll -- were also reprimanded for failing to remove their `We Race As One` t-shirts in time for the national anthem.

Vettel and the other drivers said they had forgotten to take their t-shirts off because of the onset of rain. They were all found to be in breach of Article 12.2.1.i) of the FIA International Sporting Code and given non-driving reprimands. 

`We Race As One` is a platform launched by Formula One last year that counts diversity, inclusivity and sustainability as its core principles.

Drivers are free to wear apparel with a message that is supportive of the initiative`s principles. But they were instructed to remove any such t-shirts before the national anthem and wear their race suits in a pre-race note issued by race director Michael Masi.

Hungary is set to put an anti-LGBTQ+ law that limits schools’ teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues to a referendum.

Vettel, who on Thursday wore shoes carrying a rainbow stripe, has spoken out against the legislation along with seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton who called on Hungarians to vote against it.