Depressed Hamilton feels like 'giving up on everything'

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Rest assured Hamilton fans, your boy isn't talking about hanging up his helmet and riding into the sunset but is alluding to the "messed up place" that has become our world in his eyes.

In a mournful indictment of the state of our environment, and of world leaders' troubling lack of concern for our habitat, Hamilton took to social media to vent his depressed state of mind on a matter close to his heart.

Damon Hill: Hamilton the 'greatest racer' Britain has produced

"I’m sad right now with the thought of where this world is going," he wrote on Instagram.

"Extinction of our race becoming more and more likely as we over use our resources. The world is a messed up place. World leaders either uneducated or don’t care about the environment at all.

"I want my life to mean something and honestly up until now my life’s had no meaning, being part of the issue is not meaningful. Being part of the solution is and I'm striving to do better," said Hamilton.

The 34-year-old sold his candy-red private jet earlier this year to diminish his carbon footprint and converted to a plant-based diet two years ago.

Hamilton also became an investor in a meat-free burger chain, Neat Burger, which recently opened its first outlet in London.

"Go vegan, it is the only way to truly save our planet today," he added. "It can be done so quickly, all you have to do is put your mind to it…"

But the five-time world champion - whose field of expertise admittedly induces a massive carbon footprint annually - left his 13 million followers with a depressing conclusion.

"Honestly, I feel like giving up on everything. Shut down completely," he said.

"Why bother when the world is such a mess and people don’t seem to care. I’m going to take a moment away to gather my thoughts.

"Thank you to those of you who do give a damn about the world."

While we haven't yet succeeded in converting completely to veganism here at F1i, we do try to do our part for the environment.

We recycle, rely on reusable bags, print as little as possible, cut out on paper mail, walk or carpool to work - except for flyaway races, save electricity and - perhaps the best part - shower with our other half to save water!

Remember Lewis, there's always Formula E!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.