LEWIS HAMILTON should be applauded for his comments on the environment, not slammed as a hypocrite who is only craving attention.
Yes, he is an easy target; his job is to fly to 21 different countries a year and drive a car around in circles as fast as he can.
For those who don’t know him, or even dislike him, it is too easy to poke holes and belittle his plea for other people to think about their environment.
‘Oh, yes got [had] the private jet, the fast-car collection, flies around the world…think of the damage he is doing…’
And that’s the point. He IS thinking about the damage he is doing and what prompted his social media outburst.
I asked him in Mexico ahead of this weekend’s GP where it is possible he could win a sixth world title, about what made him make the comment and, more importantly, what he was doing personally to help the environment.
His reply was thoughtful and revealing as he reeled off the changes he has implemented and the plans he has to influence car giant Mercedes.
He said this: “I watched a documentary and it made me sad to see the things we’re not aware of.
“It just inspired me to want to do more, and reach out to those who perhaps don’t know the kind of things that are happening.
“In terms of the changing of the things I’m doing in my life, I’m trying to make sure that by the end of the year I’m carbon neutral.
“I don’t allow anyone in my office, but also within my household to buy any plastics, I want everything recyclable, down to deodorant and toothbrushes.
“I sold my plane over a year ago. I fly a lot less now. I’m trying to fly less through the year, I’m mostly flying commercial, so that’s been a big change in my habits.
“I’ve avoided trips if I didn’t need to do it. I have just been in the UK with family in Bedfordshire instead of going on holiday.
“I’ve changed my diet, which is quite a drastic difference. I also have a new electric Smart car and have sold several of my cars.
“I’m constantly making changes but it’s not a quick fix but I feel positive that I’m making those changes, and I’m encouraging people around me.
“I’m working with Mercedes on a future plan to replace all-leather interiors. There’s no reason why we cannot have faux-leather, faux-suede.
“And my work with Tommy Hilfiger, nearly 70 per cent of all the clothes that I’ve done are sustainable and either recycled fabrics.”
Now, given that he has these intentions – and, by the way these are not fly-by-night ideas but something he has been speaking about for around 18 months – surely that message should be supported.
We have a collective responsibility to do our bit, whether it reuse carrier bags, have energy-saving lightbulbs or reuse plastic bottles.
Hamilton’s intention – to speak out and raise awareness to his 13 million followers – should be supported, not ridiculed.
Furthermore, it should be welcomed given his position as the leading sports star in his profession.
Have you heard Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo do the same?
In the world of polished, media-trained robotic sportsmen and women, how refreshing is it to have someone a) have an opinion on a world topic, and b) actually present it.
Hamilton is right. F1 should also do more too to reduce its carbon footprint. And so should we all, irrespective of the jobs we do.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
