Host of F1 drivers have reacted differently to the comments made by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton regarding the environment.
Between Japan and Mexico, Hamilton raised an important topic of debate, with regards to the environment which eventually created headlines all over the world. The media, largely, were against Hamilton since he travels the world and races in F1.
The sport does affect the environment adversely but in recent years, the hybrid technology has helped in lowering the bad effects. While Hamilton explained his ideologies and the steps he is taking to be eco-friendly, his peers were asked about the same.
There were mixed response from majority of the F1 drivers, with some supporting the cause of Hamilton, while the rest didn’t agree whole-heartedly to the British racer. Below is the list of drivers with varied opinions:
Sebastian Vettel: “I think the point is very clear. I think you would be ignorant if you wouldn’t look at it and obviously, as Lewis mentioned, it’s very difficult, in a way, to us to get acceptance from outside, because we don’t have the smallest footprint because the races happen around the world. We do have to travel, so it’s part of our jobs.
“But I think in general, F1 should do more. It’s a worldwide operating platform. I think we should send a much stronger message regarding this subject and I think personally – this is free to everyone – but I think everybody can do something, contribute a little bit and if the whole world would act like that, it would make a huge difference. I think it’s inevitable that change is coming and hopefully rather sooner than later.”
Sergio Perez: “I think it’s very important that we raise our voices. A lot of people hear us – especially for someone like Lewis. It’s very important. I see the messages that he sends often on his social media are good. A lot of people are following him, so if we can impact the world, if we can help a bit, I think we are obliged to do so. I don’t see anything wrong with that.”
Alexander Albon: “I think what Lewis said was really good and just because we’re in F1 doesn’t mean we can’t care about the environment.”
Kimi Raikkonen: “I think it involves everybody who lives on this planet. 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 in the end 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 in probably not 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. We all try to do our part, but I think it’s a crazy subject in many ways to get into, especially on a race weekend.”
Romain Grosjean: “I think personally, you can do the best you can. I have an electric car and I cycle to most of the places I go to, and I really try. If you think what is F1, it’s not very environmentally friendly. If you can do a few things then great.
“But flying to all the countries everywhere, flying big stuff, burning tyres and fuel is not very environmentally friendly. If we all do the best we can to help the planet, great. It’s a tricky one. I do own a private jet company but I don’t fly private [hugely].”
Max Verstappen: “I like fuel, can I say that? I don’t electric stuff. 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 as well for a long time 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.
“I watched the documentary about being plant based and its actually quite interesting, a lot of athletes actually say they gain performance from it, but that’s also different to F1 because we are not limited in pace.
“Because physically you need to be strong and fit, but it’s not like running or cycling. I enjoy eating my burger sometimes. I like blue meat. Everyone for themselves, everyone can make their own decisions. I’m not going to go vegan.”
Charles Leclerc: “I think obviously it is extremely important and I think all the drivers are now understanding it, not only the drivers but the whole world. On my side I will try to do the best I can do.
“It is small things but I am opening a fashion company and looking to eco-friendly materials to have and on the plastic things and things like this I will try to behave a bit more for this whereas in the past I could have done a lot better.”
Here’s at length to what Lewis Hamilton stated