If Lewis Hamilton converting to a vegan diet not just for himself but also for the environment is anything to go by, the seven-time champion is a defender of the environment. Apart from making a name for himself as one of the best drivers to have ever raced in Formula 1, Hamilton has also built a reputation for advocating climate change prevention, especially in F1. Talking about F1, one of Hamilton’s most formidable rival’s closest allies is on his side. Who is it? Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet.

F1 is by no means on the list of most sustainable sports in the world. With its gas-guzzling and world tour, its carbon footprint is through the roof. While Hamilton and F1—with its ‘Net Zero 2030’ campaign—have been making strides to make the sport more sustainable, Piquet is using her profession to advocate change.

How is Kelly Piquet helping further Lewis Hamilton’s cause?

Even though traveling with Max Verstappen and being his pillar of support is a lot like a full-time job, Piquet takes time out to do what she loves—modeling. Over the years, the Brazilian has built a commendable repertoire of modeling work, making her one of the most sought-after names in the industry. So when the opportunity to promote something she—and Hamilton—feels strongly about through her work as a model came up, she took it with both hands. 

In collaboration with OPP Swimwear (a company that manufactures swimwear made from ocean plastic and regenerated nylon) and Plastic Bank (an organization that fights plastic pollution in oceans), she achieved something “truly incredible!” As per her Instagram post, “We have officially diverted 256,747 plastic bottles from our oceans. Every bottle saved is a baby step in the right direction toward a cleaner, healthier future for us and generations to come. However, this mission must continue. OPP Swimwear have pledged to further divert 100 plastic bottles from entering our oceans with every OPP swimsuit purchase. It’s a small step, yet significant. Thank you for your support.🙏🏼💙”

Piquet added the post to her story and wrote, “Come help me and be part of this initiative 💙,” urging people to invest in the betterment of the environment and play their part in ensuring the effects of climate change are minimal. She isn’t the only F1-affiliated person to work toward and address this cause close to Hamilton’s heart.

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Lewis Hamilton receives support from Toto Wolff and an F1 mogul

Since F1 released its Sustainability Report in 2019 and laid out its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2030, the talk around F1-related climate change has picked up in the paddock. Earlier this year, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff revealed what the Brackley team is doing to limit its carbon footprint: “The world is under pressure because climate change is happening. It is perfectly clear that sustainability is a key issue in every company today. We in our team also try to contribute positively, not just with words but with deeds. We get 100 percent of our energy from green resources. We are building a solar park. We try to reduce our emissions as much as possible.”

During a 2020 interview, Hamilton said, “We’re so fortunate to have and occupy this planet, so we better start treating it right.” Just over a month ago, F1 mogul Eddie Jordan seconded the 38-year-old’s statement on the Formula For Success Podcast: “I’m in the very much twilight of my years, and I see lots of grandkids running around the place. That is my wish that they are aware of what’s happening around them, about the climate, society, and the world. It is our obligation to make sure that we leave this world in a better place than when we came into it.”

What do you think about Kelly Piquet, Lewis Hamilton, and Formula 1’s efforts to help the environment?

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