Ralf Schumacher has taken Sebastian Vettel to task over his recent statements.
Vettel, known alongside Lewis Hamilton for championing various social justice causes, commended Schumacher for recently revealing he is gay.
"It's still very difficult to 'come out' in sports and be accepted," the four-time world champion told Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.
"That's precisely why role models who have the courage are so important," added Vettel, 37.
However, his follow-up comment is what sparked Schumacher's disapproval.
"Ralf's coming out was actually well received in the motorsport scene," said Vettel. "But of course, motorsport is still the world where old white men throw a petrol party. Some things are still taboo."
Schumacher, 49, fired back via social media.
"Thank you for the appreciation," he wrote, addressing Vettel. "However, I find the remark about old white men to be completely wrong and not true.
"I find this wording very narrow-minded. For me, coming out was no problem and I was supported by the whole of F1."
Seven-time world champion Hamilton echoed similar sentiments to Vettel recently when discussing criticism he occasionally faces.
"I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing," said the Ferrari driver.
