Lewis Hamilton found supporters and detractors among his fellow Formula 1 drivers for his climate message at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The world champion had made headlines last week after two Instagram stories where he initially admitted dismay at what he saw at the lack of attention being given to the issue of the environment before later saying he would keep pushing to promote the matter.
That earned him praise and also some criticism, predominantly pointing to Hamilton’s own lifestyle to suggest he doesn’t practice what he preaches.
And giving their views on Thursday, that same split was apparent among the Briton’s rivals.
“I’m not active on social media, but the point is very clear,” Sebastian Vettel commented. “You would be ignorant if you wouldn’t look at it.
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“As Lewis said, it’s difficult for us to get acceptance from the outside because we don’t have the smallest footprint.
“The races happen around the world, we have to travel so it’s part of our jobs, but in general, F1 should do more. It’s a worldwide operating platform, and I think we should send a much stronger message.”
Racing Point’s Sergio Perez agreed, that given the immense following Hamilton has, he can be a strong figure in the fight against climate change.
“It’s very important to raise our voices, a lot of people hear us,” the Mexican said. “Especially someone like Lewis it’s very important. I see the messages he sends often on social media are good.
“A lot of people are following him. If we can impact the world, help a bit, we are obliged to do so. I don’t see anything wrong with that.”
Others though were more sceptical with Max Verstappen perhaps going against the trend of many in his generation.
“Yeah, I like fuel, can I say that? I don’t like electric stuff,” he said. “Well, I like my little electric moped at home, but not for an F1 car.
“I know the environment is very important but F1 has been around for a long time as well 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.”
At the other end of the age scale, Kimi Raikkonen, who has raced V10s, V8s and V6s during his F1 career, acknowledges why some wouldn’t want to listen to a racing driver on such matters.
“Obviously I think it involves everybody who lives on this planet,” he told RaceFans. “In the end we all try to do what we can.
“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?
“I mean, for sure we try to do our part always if and when it’s possible.
“But I think F1 is in probably not 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.”