Lewis Hamilton Praises Sebastian Vettel's Environmental Activism

Lewis Hamilton has publicly commended fellow four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel for his outspoken advocacy on climate change, ahead of the 2025 Brazil Grand Prix. Hamilton highlighted Vettel as one of the few drivers actively addressing critical global issues, especially since his retirement from racing in 2022.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's endorsement underscores the growing commitment of high-profile F1 figures to environmental causes, particularly concerning climate change. This public support from one of the sport's biggest stars amplifies the message and pressures the broader F1 community to take more substantial action, aligning with global efforts like COP30 to protect vital ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest.

The Details:

• Hamilton praised Vettel as the 'only driver' he's aware of, besides himself, who consistently speaks out on 'important topics' and understands 'the bigger picture.'
• The context of their comments is Brazil, home to the Amazon, described by Hamilton as the 'lungs of the Earth,' expressing devastation over its ongoing destruction.
• Attention is now shifting to the UN climate conference COP30 in Belém, with leaders' segments opening this week and negotiations continuing until November 21st. This year's focus will be on rainforest protection and energy, a decade after the Paris Agreement came into effect.
• Vettel has actively used his post-racing platform for environmental projects, including building insect hotels at Japan's Suzuka circuit to raise biodiversity awareness.
• He also famously collected litter after the 2021 British Grand Prix and demonstrated a Williams FW14B using sustainable fuel at the Goodwood Festival of Speed under the 'Race Without Trace' initiative.
• In a 2022 BBC Question Time interview, Vettel acknowledged the perceived hypocrisy of his motorsport career given his environmental concerns, stating, "It does and you [the audience] are right when you laugh because there are questions I ask myself every day."
• He elaborated on his internal conflict: "I am not a saint but I am very concerned about the future. [Whether I should race in F1] is something I ask myself and travelling the world." He added, "It is my passion to drive a car and I love it, and every time I step in a car I love it, but when I get out of the car I am thinking: 'is this something we should do, travelling the world and wasting resources?'"

What's next:

Vettel is set to join the 2025 paddock this weekend, continuing his advocacy for environmental causes. The ongoing engagement of prominent figures like Hamilton and Vettel suggests a sustained push within the F1 community to address climate change, potentially influencing future regulations and sustainable practices within the sport.