'Logical' for Hamilton to switch to Formula E - Vergne
- Published on 19 Oct 2019 11:46
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- By: Coilin Higgins
Double Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne has said that he believes a switch to the all-electric series would be 'logical' for Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, due to Hamilton's recent views on the environment.
Hamilton posted about the current concerns he holds in terms of the environment, saying that he is close to 'giving up' and urged fans to look at their own diets in order to help the situation, as Hamilton himself is vegan.
Vergne, a former F1 driver with Toro Rosso between 2012 and 2014, made the move to the rival series after being dropped from the team at the end of the 2014 season, but is now a two time and current champion in the series.
"To be honest with you not even two years ago I would have disagreed with what he said," Vergne told Autosport. "But today I have a greater awareness thanks to people like him, thanks to many other athletes in the world that are basically saying the same thing.
"I agree 100% with him and I want to achieve more in Formula E to join him and [show] that he's not the only racing driver speaking his mind."
Hamilton's current team, Mercedes, is gearing up for its first season this year as a fully-fledged factory team, with ex-McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne and current Formula 2 champ Nyck de Vries at the helm.
Vergne went on to speak of the examples of how Hamilton is showing is concerns and believes a possible switch in the future would be another major step to Hamilton being able to lead an example of how to better the environment and of how people treat it.
"He probably receives a lot of criticism [because] he races in a petrol car creating a lot more pollution than any other sport in the world," Vergne added. "That's why I think it will be a logical step for him to come in Formula E, to do a lot more than just being a racing driver.
"A lot more than just being the greatest racing driver of all time but to change the mentality of people, to inspire younger generations, because the younger generation needs to grow up with the things that we can teach them - exactly like what Lewis did."
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Replies (6)
Login to replyDert38
Posts: 377
known klown
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
If he was a man known for walking the walk, he'd likely do it. However, 8/10 times he is not.
But let's talk about FE. I realize it sounds incredibly good and environmentally friendly with EVs, yet more and more reports indicate that the current tech offer a less than optimal outlook for the environment, both in terms of in components required and their toxicity along with what the carbon footprint for the production looks like. I am not inherently against EVs, but I do know that the more an industry praises something, the more we consumers should be wary of it. I'd be pretty surprised if this isn't another Dieselgate in making.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
It's all a moot point. If you are that committed to the environment then stop racing altogether. It's a wasteful activity. It only pollutes.
Un more seriousness, for those that criticize F1 for generating lots of pollution, they should really go after the big fish. F1 holds only 17+ events per year. Eliminating the sport would do nothing for the environment. Zero. However, pollution generated from coal, regular vehicular traffic, and manufacturing... That's big. Maybe they could actually hold China accountable for how incredibly polluting they are. But no... It's easier to engage in meaningless moral posturing
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Burn!
f1dave
Posts: 782
He's not ready for FE yet, it is where old or failed racers go to end their careers.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Not going to happen any time soon - Hamilton is intent on stamping his name in history, and why not......I don't see how a silent car can be exciting, no smell, no noise....nah, not for me chaps.