Sebastian Vettel believes Formula 1 would be "powerless" to help LGBTQ+ people in less tolerant countries if they were boycotted by the sport.
The German racer caused a stir at last year's Hungarian Grand Prix as he wore rainbow colours on the grid. It was a purposeful and pointed protest against anti-LGBT legislation which was going through the country's parliament at the time, though it proved unsuccessful as the amendment was passed into law.
He has made similar points in other countries which are less tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community, such as Saudi Arabia where being gay is a crime, which can land you in prison. Vettel believes continuing to race in these countries gives the sport an unfiltered stage to raise awareness of the issue in front of the local population.
