The Vegan Athletes: Lewis Hamilton
The Formula 1 World Champion, His Vegan Journey and Mission
“My saying is; We win and lose together. I think that really does apply to both my fans, family and the team.”
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Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton understands this for his team, family and to the world as well. Either we all win and progress or we all lose. Because it’s an interconnected world. We fall together, we rise together.
Understanding this once avid meat and dairy eater has now turned into a vegan.
Before we discuss his vegan journey, mission and contributions. Let’s take a look at his career to understanding who are we talking about.
Lewis Hamilton At A Glance
Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton is a 34-year-old, British Formula One racing driver. He is presently under a contract with the pro team, ‘Mercedes AMG Petronas.’
His love for cars was spotted by his father when he gifted him a remote-controlled car at 6. Seeing his zest and enthusiasm for cars his father gifted him a go-kart. Lewis won many go-kart championships.
He made his F1 debut in 2007 and lost the ‘World Championship’ by just a single point. He hasn’t disappointed his fans and his team since then. Some of his achievements are as follow:
- Lewis was the youngest driver to lead the F1 World Championship after the 2007 Spanish Grand Prix.
- Hamilton second most successful driver of all time with six titles. Only one title behind Michael Schumacher, all-time record holder.
- Hamilton has won total 83 races behind only Michael Schumacher who has won 91. Hamilton is still active on circuit. So, he might succeed Schumacher.
- Hamilton is way ahead in pole positions than any other player ever born. He has a record of 87 pole positions. Michael Schumacher is second with 68.
- Hamilton is second in terms of races won leading from first to the last lap having done so 18 times. Just one behind Ayrton Senna, who has done it 19 times.
Hamilton has set many world records and is the verge of breaking many records in his sport. He is as of now one of the most popular athletes in the world. He has generally been popular for his over the top performance on the circuits, his fashion sense and luxurious lifestyle.
But in recent times his association with veganism has earned him a lot of praise and fluke alike. Let’s take a look at his vegan journey.
Lewis Hamilton Turns Vegan
In 2017 he switched his diet to go plant-based completely after watching the documentary What The Health. His reason to switch was the insane amount of pressure animal farming puts on the planet and the kind of deforestation takes place for it.
He also said, there is a lot of animal cruelty included and I don’t want to be a part of that. He also, quoted that his family has a history of cancer and heart diseases and going plant-based would make him lead a healthier life and avoid these diseases as much as possible.
He has openly shared with his fans and followers that veganism is the only way to save the planet. He received a lot of flake for it as well from the people who don’t understand the impact of animal farming on forests, water and animals as well and criticised him for owning so many cars and yachts.
Lewis has claimed that he feels much better after this diet change. Lewis won his three consecutive grand Prix world championships after turning vegan. He won his 6th GP in Dec 2019.
Lewis Hamilton: Veganism Promotion
Ever since, Lewis watched What The Health and other documentaries on why the worlds need to turn vegan, he has taken this cause like personal responsibility.
When he is not on the circuit or training, he spends a lot of time promoting veganism.
He is also associated with James Cameroon's documentary “The Game Changers” as executive producer.
Lewis has also invested in a vegan burger chain called “Neat Burger”. The first store opened in London. They plan to open 100 stores in the next six years.
He also made vegan sneakers in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, which won him fashion award as well.
Hamilton also made Mercedes-Benz go vegan worldwide and abandon animal leather in car interiors. Now, they will be using leather-free vegan interiors instead of leathers made after brutally slaughtering animals and using their skin. This would make other companies think on similar lines.
This would eventually lead to the popularization of vegan leather, more production, lesser cost, lesser animal cruelty and less damage to the environment.
Lewis also always prays before every meal. His compassion and concern for the planet, animals is commendable. The way he is using his reach, popularity to put forward a cause that can actually contribute the most in making this world a better place deserves respect.
Hamilton is not just one of the best in his sport of all time. He is also one of the most thoughtful and committed sportsperson of the contemporary world.
We wish him success in all his endeavours.
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