Racer Lewis Hamilton Applauds Ex-F1 Star Ralf Schumacher for Coming Out

There is at least one prominent racer who applauds ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher's recent coming out announcement, and that is racing star Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton said Schumacher's decision to come out as gay "sends such a positive message," but there is still a lot more road to cover until the sport is fully inclusive, ESPN reported.

"Clearly he's not felt comfortable enough to say it in the past," said Hamilton. "But I think it just shows that we are in the time and finally can take that step and don't have to fear. Hopefully people will say that. I think so far I've heard only positive feedback from people. And I think that's because of the time we're living in and the changes we are in."

Schumacher is the younger brother of Michael and winner of six F1 races between 1997 to 2007. Schumacher's sexual orientation in racing circles has reportedly been an open secret.

"It is one thing saying it's inclusive and it's another actually making sure people feel comfortable in the environments," said Hamilton, pointing out that it is such a "male-dominated space."

Hamilton said the sport needs to continue driving in the right direction of acceptance and doing everything it can to make more people feel comfortable. "Because I know they have not always been treated well in this space. So we can 100% do more," said Hamilton.