Hamilton attacked for environmental hypocrisy

Lewis Hamilton has faced a huge backlash after he attempted to raise awareness about global environmental issues on his instagram account.

Many, including his rival Fernando Alonso, accused the five-time world champion of hypocrisy after he promoted plant-based diet to help the environment.

They said his role in Formula 1 and the high number of flights he takes every year adds to the carbon footprint.

"We all know the lifestyle that Lewis has, and that Formula 1 drivers take 200 planes a year. You can't then say: 'Don't eat meat'," Alonso told Spanish radio.

Hamilton, however, rejected the criticisms and said everyone could do more to protect the environment.

"It is something over time I have become more and more aware of," he said. "It is not a quick fix. It takes time to understand the implications. I would feel I wasn't doing anything positive if I didn't mention it."