Max Verstappen on F1 environmental impact: If you don't like it, don't watch it

Max Verstappen

Verstappen on F1 environmental impact: If you don't like it, don't watch it

Max doesn't agree with Lewis Hamilton.

Martin Macdonald

Friday 25 October 2019 13:00

Max Verstappen insists he does not like the prospect of ever driving an electric racecar as he prefers fuel, and has challenged those to criticise Formula 1 for its negative impact on the environment to simply not watch the sport.

Lewis Hamilton recently posted a series of Instagram messages highlighting the importance of a plant-based diet, which is part of his passion to help the environment.

He was subsequently criticised because his career is in a sport which burns through fossil fuels to a high degree.

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Verstappen has urged those within F1 not to become “drama queens” in their reaction to the sudden media scrutiny over the sport’s carbon footprint.

"Yeah, I like fuel, can I say that? I don't like electric stuff," the Dutchman admitted.

"Well, I like my little electric moped at home. But not for an F1 car.

"I know the environment is very important but F1 has been around for a long time as well and I don't think we should overreact or be drama queen about it.

"Just get on with it. If you don't like it, don't watch it."

Kimi Raikkonen echoed the sentiments of Verstappen, and was perturbed that the issue was being raised ahead of an important race.

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"Obviously I think it involves everybody who lives on this planet," the former world champion said.

"In the end, we all try to do what we can, but honestly we are probably not in the best place to start making big stories out of it, because we're burning fuel for what? To be first, second?

"I mean for sure we try to do our part always if and when it's possible, but I think F1 is probably not in the strongest place to tell people that this is what we should do, because to really go that route we should all stay home and forget the racing.

"I think it's a crazy subject in many ways to get into, especially on a race weekend."