CNN
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Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he supports the cause of environmentalist group Just Stop Oil but not some of their methods after group members broke into the track during the British Grand Prix.
At Sunday’s Grand Prix at Silverstone, a group of protesters wearing orange T-shirts sat on the Wellington straight as the cars returned to the pits at low speed and the race was red flagged after Zhoy Guanyu crashed at high speed.
Mercedes driver Hamilton, who learned about the protests against global oil consumption in the post-race press conference, said: “Big up the protesters.”
The 37-year-old, who finished third in a dramatic race, added: “I love that people are fighting for the planet and we need more people like them.”
After the press conference, Mercedes said in a statement broadcast to CNN, “Lewis supported their right to protest, but not the method they have chosen, which endangers their safety and that of others.”
Later in the day, Hamilton took to Instagram to clarify his thoughts.
“As we saw today, this is a very dangerous sport,” he wrote. “I was unaware of the protests today and while I will always support those who stand up for what they believe in, it must be done safely. Please don’t jump onto our circuits to protest, we don’t want to put you in danger.”
Northamptonshire Police said seven people were in custody following the incident and Chief Inspector Tom Thompson said he was “really disappointed” that the protesters had ignored previous warnings of security concerns.
“We offered to host a peaceful event at the circuit, but instead they chose to risk the lives of the drivers, marshals and volunteers. It’s incredibly disappointing that anyone is choosing to do this,” he said.
“Luckily we had plans for such an event and the group was quickly removed and arrested by our officers.”
Just stop oil Posted a statement on social media after the race, claiming responsibility for the incident and explaining the reasons why.
“If you’re more outraged by this disruption than by our world being burned before our eyes, then you need to get your priorities right,” the post reads.
Both race winner Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez, who finished second, said they supported the cause but criticized the way the protest was conducted.
“I think people have the opportunity to speak out and make manifestations wherever they want because it’s a right. I just don’t think it’s the best way to jump onto a Formula 1 track and put yourself and all the other drivers at risk,” Ferrari driver Sainz, who celebrated his maiden win, said at the post-race press conference .
“So yes I support the cause, I think Formula 1 is already doing a great job to try to go zero carbon by 2030. And we’re pushing that area and we’re pushing F1 and the FIA [motorsport’s governing body] Finding ways to go in that direction.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called the protesters’ actions “irresponsible and dangerous”.
“Everyone has the right to speak out on issues, but no one has the right to put lives at risk,” he told reporters. “The actions of a small group of people today were totally irresponsible and dangerous.
“We thank the police for doing a great job and we should not be complacent about the risk this posed to the safety of drivers, stewards, fans and the people themselves.”