Formula 1 Sao Paulo GP
Lewis Hamilton backs Sebastian Vettel: 'Only driver that actually talks about important topics'
The four-time world champion returns this weekend as he joins the paddock for the Brazil Grand Prix
Alex Harrington
Edited: Nov 7, 2025, 2:12 PM
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images
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.
“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.
"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.
Sebastian Vettel
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
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.
“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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Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
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