- Lewis Hamilton has called Hungary's government 'cowardly and unacceptable' in an Instagram post.
- The seven-time world champion was critical of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and urged Hungarians to vote against it.
- Hamilton is in Hungary ahead of the Hungarian Grand prix this weekend.
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has labelled the Hungarian government as "cowardly" for its anti-LGBTQ+ laws ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
In June, Hungary passed a law preventing gay people from featuring in school educational materials or TV shows for under-18s in the latest of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
The same month, Orbán refused to attend a Euro 2020 soccer match after a number of protests against the law during Hungary's games at the tournament.
One such protest, which was ultimately denied by European soccer governing body, UEFA, was a request from Germany to illuminate its national stadium with rainbow colors during a match with Hungary.
Now, with the F1 season moving to Hungary after a two-week break, one of the sport's greats has taken aim at Hungary.
Posting on Instagram, the Mercedes driver said it is "unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for the those in power to suggest such a law."
He went on to add that "everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify."
Instagram/Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton, who trails Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the 2021 drivers championship, encouraged Hungarian citizens to vote in an upcoming referendum to protect the LGBTQ+ community.
"I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGTBQ+ community, they need our support more than ever.
"Please show love for those around you because Love will always win," Hamilton said.
The 36-year-old is a vocal advocate of equal rights and has previously shown support for Black Lives Matter and mental health issues.