Sebastian Vettel is backing Lewis Hamilton's green initiatives and discourse, insisting Formula 1 should better exploit its global platform to send a stronger message on the environment.
Hamilton's recent push on social media to promote veganism and a more eco-responsible behavior received a backlash from those who say that the superstar's stance on the environment isn't credible given his lifestyle and the massive carbon footprint of the community he belongs to.
However, the Briton's comments have also spurred an interesting debate among his colleagues, with Vettel very much on his arch-rival's side when it comes to his words and actions regarding the environment. But the Ferrari driver also believes that F1 should do more to get a responsible message across.
"Obviously, as Lewis mentioned, it’s very difficult us to get acceptance from outside, because we don’t have the smallest footprint, because the races happen around the world," said the German.
"We do have to travel, so it’s part of our jobs. But in general, Formula 1 should do more.
"It’s a worldwide operating platform. We should send a much stronger message regarding this subject, and I think personally – this is free to everyone – everybody can do something, contribute a little bit.
"And if the whole world would act like that, it would make a huge difference. I think it’s inevitable that change is coming, and hopefully sooner rather than later."
Haas' Kevin Magnussen also isn't a denier when it comes to climate change, the Dane revealing that he's slowly but surely developed an awareness of the planet's issues and what is at stake.
"It’s pretty clear we have a climate issue," Magnussen said. "I am a believer of that, and I don’t know how you could not believe that.
"I can’t say I have (changed my lifestyle) as I’m a Formula 1 driver, and I fly around the world every week.
"But I can say I’ve started to feel bad about it. I think it’s going to be interesting to see how Formula 1 reacts to that in the future. That should be one of the big topics.
"I don’t know what can be done, and I just hope Formula 1 will look at it and take some action in that direction and be a leader in that.
"It’s one of the leading sports in the world, and it should be leading the way."
The always pragmatic Kimi Raikkonen says that when it comes to providing lessons on the environment, F1 isn't perhaps best placed to bang the drum on the subject.
"In the end we all try to do what we can," said the Iceman. "But honestly, we are probably not in the best place to start making big stories out of it, because in the end we’re burning fuel for what? To be first, second?
"For sure we try to do our part always, if and when it’s possible, but I think F1 is probably not in the strongest place to tell people that this is what we should do, because to really go that route… we should all stay home and forget the racing."
Finally, Max Verstappen acknowledges the environment's importance, but suggests there may be an overreaction from the public.
"I like fuel. Can I say that?" Verstappen said. "I don’t like electric stuff. I mean, I like my electric moped at home, but not for an F1 car.
"The environment is very important, but F1 has been around for a long time and I don’t think we should overreact or be a drama queen about it. Just get on with it. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it."
And regarding Hamilton's take on veganism, the carnivorous Red Bull driver would rather keep his meat.
"I watched his documentary about being plant-based. It’s actually quite interesting that a lot of athletes say they gain performance from it, but it’s different to Formula 1, where we are not limited in pace physically.
"Yeah you need to be strong and fit, but it’s not like cycling or running where it’s all you. I enjoy eating my burgers sometimes as well.
"I like real meat! Everybody for themselves, everyone can make their own decisions. But yeah, I’m not going to go vegan."
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