Hamilton takes on critics - targets being 'carbon neutral' by year end

Lewis Hamilton responded on Friday to those who criticized his posts on the environment on social media, insisting he is doing he best to become 'carbon neutral' by the end of the year.

The Mercedes driver's comments on veganism last week on Instagram, when he claimed that going vegan was "the only way to truly save the planet", were met with a barrage of criticism from those who believe that Hamilton's stance on the environment simply wasn't credible given the massive carbon footprint generated by Formula 1 and his own personal lifestyle.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, where the Briton is targeting a sixth world title, Hamilton offered some insight into his thinking and his use of social media to promote his environmental and green beliefs.

• Alonso: Hamilton message on environment at odds with lifestyle

"Lots of people have had opinions about how I utilise social media, but ultimately it’s my platform," he said.

"We all have a voice, everyone here and around the world. It's how you choose to and how you want to use it.

"It’s not the easiest because yes we are travelling around the world, we are racing Formula 1 cars.

"Our carbon footprint for sure is higher than the average homeowner who lives in the same city. But it doesn’t mean you should be afraid to speak out about things that can be for a positive change.

"I’m always looking at things and how I can improve the effect that I’m having on the world.

"It’s something that I guess over time I’ve become more and more aware of. It takes a while. It’s not a quick fix thing, it takes time to understand the implications.

"I think it’s just about education, and I’m just trying to highlight areas. Whether people choose to look into those, that’s up to them, but I’d feel like I wasn’t doing anything positive if I didn’t mention it."

Hamilton insisted he was doing his part to diminish his own carbon footprint as he explained the initiatives he has taken this year.

"I’m trying to make sure that by the end of the year I’m carbon neutral," he said.

"I don’t allow anyone in my office but also within my household to buy any plastics.

"I want everything recycle-able down to deodorant, down to toothbrush, all these kind of things. So I’m trying to make as much change as I can in my personal space.

"I sold my plane over a year ago. I fly a lot less now, I try to fly less through the year and mostly fly commercial so that’s been a big change in my habits.

"I’ve avoided trips as well if I don’t need to do it, been in the UK for example with family and gone up to Bedfordshire and stayed with the family instead of gone on holiday.

"Obviously I’ve changed my diet which is quite a drastic difference."

• Leclerc might 'have a look' at veganism in the future

Hamilton also detailed the changes he recently made to his extensive collection of cars, in Los Angeles and London, banging the drum for the electric car.

"I have my new Smart electric [car] at home and I’ve sold several of my cars," he said.

"Some of them I don’t really want to sell because I still love them and I’ve worked hard for them.

"I don’t drive them a lot if I’m really honest. And also all the cars that I have – Mercedes, I’m very fortunate to get quite a few cars around the world, I have three Mercedes in the States, for example. I sent them back and get [all-electric] EQCs.

"I have a Maybach in London, for example, I’m looking now to switch that. I think they’re bringing a hybrid out at the end of the year for the Maybach."

"But it’s not a quick fix, it’s not something you do over a short period of time. But I feel positive that I’m making those changes and I’m encouraging people around me - my friends are seeing me doing those - and also be more conscious and looking to do those kind of things."

The F1 star also made it very clear that despite advocating the use of electric cars in one's everyday life, he had no interest in racing in Formula E.

"I have no interest whatsoever to do Formula E," he said. "It's not something I plan currently to do beyond [F1]."

Hamilton elaborated on how he works with companies and endorses partners that respect the environment and do their best to reduce waste.

"I work with the team who are also really pushing to be carbon neutral," he added.

"For instance in the canteen, because there’s a lot of plastics, you’ll see here we have mostly Just Water which are biodegradeable bottles.

"Obviously I work with Tommy Hilfiger. Nearly 70% of all the clothes that I’ve done are sustainable.
"Either recycled fabrics or faux-leather, faux-suede and the goal is to have that 100%. At some point that will be 100% sustainable, hopefully in the next year or two.

"That’s also encouraged Tommy Hilfiger who work in quite a damaging industry to also look into that and push that direction."

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