On the first lap of the 2022 F1 British Grand Prix, protesters from the Just Stop Oil campaign group managed to climb over the security fence and onto the track on the Wellington Straight, where they sat down.
By the time the cars reached that part of the track, the red flag had already been issued for Guanyu Zhou’s accident at the Abbey corner, meaning his speed had been significantly reduced.
Northamptonshire Police reported earlier in the week that there was “credible information” that a protest was being planned. He later confirmed that seven people had been arrested over the incident.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called the protesters “completely irresponsible and dangerous” and said their actions “put lives in danger”.
Although the invasion itself was condemned on the grid, the environmental concerns it highlighted won sympathy from a number of drivers, including Lewis Hamilton.
After the race, the man from Mercedes said that he was glad that people were “fighting for the planet” and assured that more people like them are needed: “I didn’t know why they were demonstrating and I just found out, I love that people is fighting for the planet and we need more people like them”.
Mercedes later issued a statement to qualify the British driver’s original words: “Lewis supported their right to protest, but not the method they chose, which compromised their safety and that of others.”
That made the English retract and point out his words after his team’s statement.
“As we have seen today, this is a very dangerous sport,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram , referring to Zhou’s accident.
“I was not aware of today’s protest, and while I will always support those who stand up for what they believe in, it must be done safely.”
“Please don’t jump onto our racetracks to protest, we don’t want to put you in harm’s way.”
Sebastian Vettel also spoke about it, who deals with the matter on a regular basis. The four-time champion said he felt empathy for the protests, although he pointed out the danger it posed.
“I guess it was talked about, I think everyone is free to have their own opinion about it,” Vettel said.
“I think these people are not acting out of frustration, they are desperate, and I sympathize very much with their fears and their anxieties, which I think everyone who understands the magnitude of the problem that is stalking us can understand.”
“On the other hand, I see the other side. There are police trying to stop people from doing this kind of thing. You are risking the people who are involved in the race weekend, the drivers, the stewards.
“So there are two sides to the coin. I think the message has been very clear and, as I said, I totally understand their fears and anxieties.”
For his part, the winner of the race, Carlos Sainz, said: “I think people have the opportunity to express themselves and demonstrate wherever they want, because it is a right.”
“I just don’t think jumping onto a Formula 1 track is the best way to do it, and putting yourself and the drivers at risk.
“So yes, I support the cause, I think Formula 1 is already doing a great job in trying to get to zero carbon by 2030. And we are pushing in this area and we are pushing F1 and the FIA to find a way. to go in this direction.”
“I just don’t think jumping onto a Formula 1 track is the right way to demonstrate and protest.”
“You have to be a little more careful because you can kill yourself and you can cause an accident,” concluded the Ferrari driver.
