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Ralf Schumacher

'Very narrow-minded' - Schumacher delivers Vettel scolding criticism

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has received striking criticism for a comment made about coming out in motorsport.

Ralf Schumacher
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Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has criticised Sebastian Vettel for being "very narrow-minded", following a recent comment by the four-time world champion. 

In a recent interview, Vettel praised Schumacher for coming out as homosexual in July last year, something the former Red Bull driver conceded he would likely not be brave enough to do.

Schumacher took to social media last summer to announce that he was in a relationship with a man, making him the first driver to confirm he is in a same-sex relationship. 

The brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher received huge support for his courage and bravery in announcing his news to the world. 

Despite Schumacher's bravery, Vettel recently stated that it remains "very difficult" to come out as homosexual in motorsport and be accepted, something he praised his fellow German for doing.

"It's still very difficult to come out in sports and be accepted," Vettel told Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger

"That's why role models who have the courage to come out are so important. I don't know if I would be that brave. That's why we should appreciate it when someone does.

"Schumacher’s outing was actually well received in the motorsport scene. But of course, motorsport is still the world where old white men have a petrol party."

Following the publication of Vettel's interview with the Swiss newspaper, Schumacher has criticised the 37-year-old. 

Schumacher took to Instagram to initially thank Vettel for his support, before scolding the 53-time race winner for referring to motorsport as still being a world full of "old white men".

"Thank you for the appreciation," Schumacher wrote on Instagram. "However, I find the remark about old white men is completely wrong because it is not true. 

"I find this wording very narrow-minded. For me the outing was no problem and I was supported by the entire F1."

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