Hamilton responds to social media criticism: "It's my platform"

Lewis Hamilton has struck back at comments on social media that criticised his Instagram post recently, urging people to give up meat to help save the environment, adding that he "feels like giving up" when he sees what the human race is doing to the planet. Hamilton has been vegan since the beginning of 2018 and says that he feels better for it as he closes in on a sixth world title.

Hamilton had been accused of hypocrisy with the call to help save the environment, given that he races F1 cars at 200mph and until recently, flew in a private jet.

In the press conference for the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “Lots of people have their opinions how I utilise my social media, but ultimately it’s my platform and we all have a voice.

“It’s how you want to use it [your social media channels]. I know it’s not the easiest for me because I know we are travelling around the world and racing Formula 1 cars, our carbon footprint is higher than the average homeowner who lives in the same city.

“But that doesn’t mean you should be afraid to speak out about things. I’m always looking at things and how I can improve the effect that I’m having on the world."