Lewis out to reduce carbon footprint
Hamilton addresses environmental issues ahead of Mexico Grand Prix
right to speak out on environmental issues, while also racing about the world with Formula One.
The Mercedes driver, who can seal his sixth world championship in Mexico this weekend, said he flew less for pleasure, had banned single-use plastic from home and office, and aimed to be carbonneutral by the end of the year.
Having sold his private jet, he said he now flew mostly commercial.
“That’s been a big change in my habits. I’ve avoided trips if I didn’t need to do them,” he said.
He had got rid of some of his collection of luxury cars and switched to hybrid or electric models. He was also working with the team and Mercedes on a more environmentally-friendly approach.
“I want everything recyclable, down to deodorant, toothbrush, all these kind of things. I’m trying to make as much change as I can,” he said.
“I feel positive that I am making those changes. I’m encouraging people about me also, my friends are seeing me doing that and also being more conscious.”
Hamilton, who is vegan, attracted criticism and support after a series of posts on social media last week in which he deplored the state of the planet and said he felt like giving up.
He said his comments had been triggered by watching a documentary and he had wanted to raise awareness.
Hamilton said he still loved racing, but had no interest in switching to the allelectric Formula E series, and accepted criticism for calling for change while continuing to race in F1.
“It is not the easiest because, yes, we are travelling about the world and we are racing Formula One cars. Our carbon footprint for sure is higher than the average homeowner,” he said.
“But it doesn’t mean you should be afraid to speak out about things that can be for a positive change.
“I am looking how I can improve the effect I am having on the world. It’s not a quick fix. It’s just about education and I am trying to highlight Hamilton areas.”’ s stance was supported by other Formula One drivers.
“Just because we’re in Formula One, it doesn’t mean we don’t care about the environment,” said Red Bull’s Thai racer Alexander Albon.
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, said the sport must do more.
“You would be ignorant if you wouldn’t look at it. As Lewis mentioned, it’s very difficult for us to get acceptance because we don’t have the smallest footprint as the races happen about the world,” he said.
“In general, Formula One, I feel, should do more. We should send a much stronger message. Everybody can do something, contribute a little bit. ”—
I want everything recyclable, down to deodorant, toothbrush, all these kind of things. I’m trying to make as much change as
I can Lewis Hamilton