A trailblazer in F1, whether that’s on the track or off it, Lewis Hamilton deserved his seat beside Toto Wolff at the 2023 Forbes Iconoclast Summit in New York. Hamilton has been an advocate for human and animal rights, the latter being missed out on by PETA, who once again targetted the champion at the event.
Not only has Hamilton been a propagator for the vegan lifestyle, with the lost lives of animals his primary motivation, but he is also a proud dog dad. Roscoe and Hamilton share an unbreakable bond, one that has resulted in Hamilton constantly fighting for animal rights on his social media.
Often boosting PETA’s campaigns for the same, the organization continues to ask Hamilton for more.
Lewis Hamilton asked to hold F1 responsible
Their latest battle stems from F1’s association with Iditarod. This is a dog-sled race that has claimed the lives of over 150 canines. His conference with Frobes was interrupted by a protestor who begged the Mercedes driver to “cut your ties” with the Iditarod race.
This is an extreme 1000-mile race that takes place in Alaska. In the race, dogs drag sleds in the snow and often succumb to the extreme nature of the sport. Liberty Media sponsors this atrocity, thus, fuelling PETA’s agenda against Hamilton.
The protestor also urged him to use his own voice, tapping into Hamiton’s love for Roscoe to reach out to the driver.
While the videos that have now gone viral, show no response from Hamilton, he remained composed and understanding to the protestors and responded respectfully to their pleas.
PETA’s previous personal attacks on the Mercedes man
This is not the first time this has happened. PETA has also called out Hamilton on its social media platforms and website. A letter from the organization intimidated Hamilton, once PETA U.K.’s Person of the Year: “Please don’t continue to stand idly by as animals continue to suffer or your silence will be taken as complicity. A word from you could save dogs every bit as precious as your Roscoe.”
Hamilton was also targetted on his birthday, as PETA gave the driver a “gift” to help propel their cause.
While none of these incidents have been taken kindly by fans, PETA continues to march on. The organization has received immense backlash for targeting Hamilton, who has only been a voice of reason for animal rights.
As this back and forth continues, will Hamilton finally put an end to the drama, and release a statement? Or will PETA continue to pester the man who marches beside them?
