Lewis Hamilton dismisses Formula E offer, but affirms environmental stance

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton dismisses Formula E offer, but affirms environmental stance

Lewis stuck up for himself after recent criticism.

Matthew Scott

Thursday 24 October 2019 20:24

Lewis Hamilton has outlined the many steps he is taking in a bid to go carbon neutral, but says giving up Formula 1 for Formula E is not one of them.

The world champion caused a stir recently when posting in exasperated tones on social media regarding the climate crisis, vociferously espousing the vegan lifestyle that he has followed in recent years as being crucial to prevent further environmental damage.

Hamilton was called out for hypocrisy, owing to his involvement in the gas-guzzling king of motorsports, as well as flying across the globe for much of the year.

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However, the Briton made a case for his own defence ahead of the Mexican GP, pointing out that he no longer owns a private jet, refuses to use plastics wherever possible – something he has also tried to get Mercedes on board with – and changing the vehicles he uses away from the track.

FE champion Jean-Eric Vergne this week invited Hamilton to prove his commitment to change by trying the all-electric series.

However, Hamilton said: "I have no interest whatsoever to do Formula E. That's not something I plan, currently, to do."

Although Hamilton understands that his lifestyle has an impact on the environment, he stood up for his right to air his views.

"Lots of people have had opinions about how I utilise social media, but ultimately it's my platform," he said.

"It's not the easiest because yes we are travelling around the world, we are racing Formula 1 cars. Our carbon footprint for sure is higher than the average homeowner who lives in the same city. But it doesn't mean you should be afraid to speak out about things that can be for a positive change."

Explaining a post that said he was "giving up", Hamilton added: "A lot of people don't realise that they're also humans and they also have feelings and they have the ups and downs.

"It was not the best feeling of the moment, but I've got great people around me. I've had a lot of support from fans. I've had a lot of support from my family. There's a lot going on in my life at the moment.

"Anyway, coming into this weekend, I feel very positive, back to doing what I love doing."