In our last article, we looked back at where motorsports used to be in terms of Pride and representation. While looking back is important, we also need to acknowledge what’s changed and where we are today. The past decade has seen a changing landscape in this regard, but it hasn’t happened naturally. Drivers, brands, and fans have all been instrumental in the change, and here we will dive deeper into that shift.

A Changing Demographic

The past 10 years have seen a dramatic shift in the demographic of motorsports. TV documentaries—such as Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’—and the rise of social media have helped move motorsports into the mainstream. Consequently, the fan base is much more diverse than it has been historically. 

Matthew-Harriet Randell, CEO of Racing Pride, explained that these shows have brought in new fans and credited that to the shifting landscape regarding inclusion. “You now have new fans; you now have a younger fandom, which has a broader spectrum viewpoint.” They spoke about this topic, going on to credit the race direction as well. Randall acknowledged how you see more than just the race these days, often seeing garages, team radios, and behind-the-scenes action. They feel this adjustment has helped the shifting demographic, which in turn has had a positive effect on inclusion.

This ultimately comes down to visibility. As Debbie Wall says: “You can’t be what you can’t see.” With more visibility on the LGBTQ+ community within the industry, inclusion is being fostered. Younger people are consequently seeing themselves in the sport—whether that be a queer individual, someone of colour, or a different gender—and are feeling more connected. Ultimately, the effect of this is generating a prouder and more diverse landscape for all.

Inclusion Throughout the Sport

Recent years have seen studies undertaken on the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The result? A more diverse and inclusive working environment leads to a better job done. Why is that? People who feel comfortable and at ease are more likely to have all their focus on their job, which leads to better performance. 

“There’s lap time in a robust embracing of DEI in the workplace.”
~ Matt Bishop on the impact of DEI.

Essentially, teams are realising that by embracing diversity and providing their employees with a supportive workplace, they are getting the best, most focused work done. And with a wider range of people in the team, they can get more ideas for improvement. In return, not only are they fostering a better work environment, but they are also helping their on-track performance. 

This increased visibility and growing diversity in the teams is then sending a crucial message to the world: everyone can belong here. With younger people seeing themselves in the sport, they’re aiming to join it, which consequently breeds further diversity.

Outspoken Drivers

This change hasn’t come around just because of the fans, however. In modern times, more drivers are helping to push this change and inclusion. Whether they themselves are in the community or not, the impact is just as big. 

Maia, from the influencer duo ManiaOnBoard, backed this up, saying that drivers “have so much power.” Her wife, Manon, supports this viewpoint, sharing how drivers are “role models”. The pair also spoke about the impact that Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have had as they’ve spoken out about LGBTQ+ issues on the grid. 

Notably, in 2021, Vettel wore a ‘same-love’ rainbow t-shirt ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, and Hamilton has worn helmets with the rainbow flag on at several races. This was a clear sign to those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community: you are seen, you are valued, and you are welcome.

“It’s good to have an F1 driver putting his image on a gay magazine and having something to say about it.”
~ ManiaOnBoard on Vettel being on Attitude Magazine

But even more than that, other people in the industry are coming forward too. From team members to commentators and journalists, representation is now seen in all areas of motorsports.

The Political Shift and Outside Factors

In all areas, life often reflects the political state of the world. And this can currently be seen in motorsports. Liberal ideals were on the rise, contributing to a more welcoming society on the whole. With countries legalising gay marriage, more LGBTQ+ rights arising, and a more accepting society in general, there’s no doubt that this has influenced pride in motorsports. 

Commentator Chris Stevens feels as though this was also accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, explaining that he thinks “the Covid period and surrounding events really woke a lot of people up”. He went on to discuss with us how he thinks that has contributed to the change in attitudes and how there now seems to be a “consensus now that we should be doing something.” Randall shared this opinion too, crediting Covid as being “one of the biggest changes” in this regard for motorsports.

In 2020, the FIA launched its #WeRaceAsOne initiative—a platform that aimed to tackle issues facing the sport and global communities. This initially centred around two issues—Covid-19 and inequality. This saw the FIA and drivers taking a stand against these key obstacles, and whilst it was aimed at racism (following the George Floyd attack), it also brought some light to the LGBTQ+ community and their struggles.

A Potential Regression

In contrast, however, the current politics are still hurting the LGBTQ+ community, and not just within motorsports. There are still many countries where being gay is illegal, and many motorsports events are held in them. And with prominent far-right political figures, once again, intolerance is on the rise. 

Unfortunately, it has a big effect on transgender individuals in the sport. Matt Bishop noted that “we have the rise of the right” currently occurring and went on to admit that that is making life for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender individuals, “particularly difficult.”

Toby from PitLanePod is a transgender content creator who is vocal about the LGBTQ+ community in his content. Recently, he opened up and spoke about how, as a transgender individual, he has had to be “more careful and intentional” with how he engages in motorsport compared to cisgender individuals. He admitted that he’s very lucky to so far not receive any hate but that he is “anticipating it coming at some point” due to the nature of social media.

Whilst social media is a place for people to come together, it can also be divisive and sometimes toxic. With more space for anonymity, trolls have become more common due to a lack of consequences. Due to this, many people within the sport (fans, teams, and even drivers) often face hate and arguments online for a multitude of reasons. On the one hand, social media has helped progress the landscape. On the other hand, it’s also aiding a more hostile and divisive community.  

Pride in Motorsports: The Present

Ultimately, the changing landscape for the LGBTQ+ community within motorsports hasn’t been a natural occurrence. Multiple factors have contributed to helping encourage a better space for everyone to enjoy and feel welcome. With teams putting more stock into DEI, more initiatives are coming out, and movements such as Racing Pride are helping to empower everyone.

“If you can see it, you can be it.”
~ Matt Bishop

You can read more from our Pride in Motorsport series here.