'Not a smart move': Hamilton slams new Rio circuit being built in rainforest
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday he saw no need for a new racetrack in Rio de Janeiro and was against cutting down forest trees to make way for it.
Plans for a grand prix circuit, which will replace Sao Paolo’s Interlagos on the F1 calendar, have caused controversy locally with environmentalists opposed to the location.
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Supporters of the project say more trees would be planted than those removed from the forested area in the Deodoro sector of western Rio, around what is now a disused military site.
Hamilton, who could be a seven-times world champion by the time he next visits Brazil, has been outspoken on environmental issues.
“I was hoping I wasn’t really going to get this question,” said the Mercedes driver ahead of Sunday’s Eifel Grand Prix at the Nuerburgring.
“My personal opinion is the world doesn’t need a new circuit.
“I think there are plenty of circuits in the world that are great and I love Interlagos.”
Hamilton against tearing down more trees
Hamilton said he did not know all the details of the planned circuit and had heard it was going to be a sustainable development.
“The most sustainable thing you can do is not tear down any trees,” he added.
“With deforestation and everything, I don’t think it’s a smart move, personally. Again, I don’t have the details of why but it’s not something I personally support.”
Interlagos has been a fixture on the F1 calendar since 1990 but is not hosting a race this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rio’s old Jacarepagua circuit was demolished to make way for facilities for the 2016 Olympics.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said last year that the privately-built new track would have a capacity for 130,000 fans.
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