Lewis Hamilton backs Sebastian Vettel: ‘Only driver that actually talks about important topics’
Lewis Hamilton has praised four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel as both drivers seek to raise awareness of climate change ahead of the 2025 Brazil Grand Prix.
Speaking to F1, the Ferrari driver praised the German, who has been outspoken on his climate change views, especially since he retired from the championship in 2022.
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“I mean, I’m always supporting Seb,” Hamilton said. “He’s the only driver that I’m aware of, other than myself, that ever actually talks about important topics and fights for… he’s aware of the bigger picture.
“And look, we’re in Brazil where the heart of the Earth really is with the Amazon – or the lungs of the Earth.
“And it’s devastating to read how much is being destroyed day by day.”
At this point in the year, attention has turned to the UN climate conference COP30, hosted in Belém. The leaders’ segment opens this week, with negotiations running to 21 November. Now a decade on since the Paris Agreement came into effect – an international treaty to limit climate change – this year will see more emphasis being put on rainforest protection as well as energy.
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“And of course we’ve got a big summit obviously next week,” the driver continued. “But climate change continues to be a real topic and something that we really need to all be aware of and focus on. Not for us older people, but more so for the younger generation.
“It’s for us to make the change. It’s not their fault that we’ve made a mess.”
Vettel has spent his time outside of racing using his profile as a champion to push several environmental projects. This has included a project on raising awareness of biodiversity as he built insect hotels around Japan’s Suzuka circuit.
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Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel
He was also spotted picking up litter following the 2021 British Grand Prix and he attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed, demonstrating the Williams FW14B on sustainable fuel under the Race Without Trace branding.
During an interview on BBC’s Question Time in 2022, he described himself as a hypocrite, addressing his history in motorsport.
“It does,” he answered when asked if his competing in the championship makes him a hypocrite. “It does and you [the audience] are right when you laugh because there are questions I ask myself every day.
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“I am not a saint but I am very concerned about the future. [Whether I should race in F1] is something I ask myself and travelling the world.
“It is my passion to drive a car and I love it, and every time I step in a car I love it, but when I get out of the car I am thinking: ‘is this something we should do, travelling the world and wasting resources?'”
Vettel joins the 2025 paddock this weekend as he continues to fight for the environment.
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Photos from Sao Paulo GP – Friday
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
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Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team
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Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
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Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
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Sebastian Vettel arrives in the Paddock
Sebastian Vettel arrives in the Paddock
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
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Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing
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Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Alexander Albon, Williams
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George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
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Lando Norris, McLaren
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Fans hold up signs in support of Scuderia Ferrari in the fan zone.
Fans hold up signs in support of Scuderia Ferrari in the fan zone.
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Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams
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Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams
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Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
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Franco Colapinto, Alpine
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
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Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Alexander Albon, Williams
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Alexander Albon, Williams
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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
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Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Alexander Albon, Williams
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Alexander Albon, Williams
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Franco Colapinto, Alpine
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
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George Russell, Mercedes
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren
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George Russell, Mercedes, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
George Russell, Mercedes, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
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George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
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Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
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