Lewis Hamilton has taken aim at Formula One's ruling body after slamming its decision to reprimand Sebastian Vettel for wearing a T-shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community as "bull****".
Four-time world champion Vettel wore a "same love" rainbow T-shirt during the Hungarian national anthem on Sunday.
Under FIA rules, drivers are permitted to carry a message that conveys with the sport's We Race As One initiative during the pre-race ceremony. But the clothing must be removed for the national anthem.
SAME LOVE. 🏳️🌈 #IAMPRIDE pic.twitter.com/uhGgFk4aVb — Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1, 2021
Vettel was summoned to see the stewards. He explained that he forgot to remove his T-shirt because of the onset of rain.
Valtteri Bottas, Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll were also reprimanded after they failed to take off their We Race As One T-shirts.
Vettel, who was stripped of his second place at the Hungarian Grand Prix following a fuel infringement, told Sky Sports: "I'm happy if they disqualify me. They can do whatever they want to me, I don't care. I would do it again."
In a now-deleted message on Instagram, Hamilton posted in support of Vettel.
The British driver, 36, said: "Super proud of this guy. There is no rule that says what colour shirt you can wear and supporting the LGBTQ+ community is not repremandable (sic).
"This is bs. Well done, Seb. I'll join you next time with the same shirt."
Hamilton later updated his post, writing: "Love to see this Seb supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Love always wins."
Hamilton heads into the sport's summer break with an eight-point advantage over Max Verstappen following Sunday's chaotic race.
Took a Champion's drive to fight back to P3! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/u0OODj8vh5 — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 1, 2021
The seven-time world champion raced from last to third – upgraded to runner-up following Vettel's disqualification – with a supreme recovery drive.
He will now use the four-week break to recharge his batteries after revealing he was suffering with the symptoms of long Covid-19.
Hamilton, who contracted the virus eight months ago, was examined by a Mercedes team doctor for 30 minutes after falling unwell following the race.
Hamilton's Mercedes team held the edge over Red Bull at the concluding round before the sport's mid-term shutdown.
Summer break = incoming 😎 And here's how the drivers and teams stand after 11 rounds of the 2021 F1 season All to play for when racing resumes at Spa in a few weeks!#F1 pic.twitter.com/w3r6qc6peL — Formula 1 (@F1) August 2, 2021
The Briton was in control of the race but was forced into his fightback after Mercedes elected to leave him out on wet tyres for the restart.
Hamilton said: "I tell you it's definitely been a hard slog for us. But this weekend has been very strong, and (it's) definitely surprising to see how strong we have been compared to Red Bull.
"We keep pushing and fighting and I'm so honoured to be able to race for a team like this. We learn from these mistakes – unfortunately, we wish they didn't happen – but it's not how you fall, it's how you get back up."
The season fires up again at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on August 29 for the 12 concluding scheduled rounds.
