Lando Norris (left, image via: autosport), Just Stop Oil protesters at the British GP (Centre, image via: The Telegraph) and Lewis Hamilton (right, image via: the Guardian)
Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, two of the three British drivers on the grid, find themselves on opposite ends when it comes to their views on the Just Stop Oil protesters and their potential presence at Silverstone for the upcoming British Grand Prix. While Norris called their plans as “stupid and selfish,” Hamilton takes a more welcoming approach, stating
Lando Norris took a strong stance, labeling the protesters’ plans as “stupid and selfish.”He acknowledges that everyone has the right to protest but highlights the dangers of their actions and stated there are good ways than protesting on a racetrack. He hopes that “ people are smart enough not to do it.”
In a stark contrast, Lewis Hamilton holds a more welcoming view. The seven time champion offered his support for the activists, stating, “I welcome protesters or activists. We never want to see people standing on the track and putting themselves in harm’s way.” But, wants the protest to be peaceful.
Lewis Hamilton believes that peaceful protests have the power to spark a change
Just Stop Oil is an organization vehemently opposed to fossil fuel exploration. The group have targetted major sporting events this year and there is a potential chance that might repeat at the British Grand Prix this weekend. Last year, their protests dirsupted the British Grand Prix when five individuals entered the track, resulting in a temporary race suspension.
Hamilton’s pro-activist stance is consistent with his own activism and advocacy for sustainability and inclusivity. He believes in the power of peaceful protests to spark conversation and initiate positive change. Hamilton states, “That sparks conversation, that sparks dialogue and it often helps, sometimes, done the right way – it sparks change.”
📰: Lewis Hamilton supports peaceful protestors but urges a group to avoid repeating track invasion at the upcoming British Grand Prix. Last year's incident raised safety concerns, and the 'Just Stop Oil' group was criticized for endangering lives. Hamilton encourages dialogue… pic.twitter.com/dJ3yn8pTR7
— F1 Naija 🇳🇬 (@f1_naija) July 4, 2023Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, echoes the concerns regarding safety. He emphasizes the risks involved and urges caution, stating, “For anyone to run onto the track at any point would be absolutely dangerous and not good for anybody.” The manager of Silverstone track, Stuart Pringle also, said that he hopes there won’t be an issue with the protesters but are prepared for the worst that could happen.
As the Silverstone Grand Prix approaches, Mercedes and Hamilton, aims to bounce back after McLaren outperformed them at the Austrian GP. With upgrades in the pipeline, the team aims to regain their competitive edge at Silverstone. Mercedes, like other teams, hopes to avoid any disruptions or incidents similar to the previous year’s protest.
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