Oct.16 - A spokesperson has hit back at Lewis Hamilton's opposition to a new grand prix going ahead near Rio de Janeiro.

F1 CEO Chase Carey recently wrote a letter confirming the sport's intention to support construction of a new circuit in Rio's Deodoro neighbourhood.

But there have been claims the project would affect the nearby Comboata forest ecosystem, prompting six-time world champion Hamilton to announce his opposition.

"I don't know the details and I've heard that a sustainable race could be possible there, but the most sustainable thing would be not to cut down trees," he said.

However, a spokesperson for the proposed Rio Motorpark circuit hit back at those sorts of claims, insisting the project would generate thousands of jobs and economic activity.

"Nor is information correct that there will be environmental damage resulting from the project, which is supported by a robust program of mitigating and compensatory measures," the spokesperson told the Guardian.


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15 F1 Fan comments on “Rio hits back at Hamilton's F1 project opposition

    • Alan M

      Do not worry, Hamilton will continue to drive... and win and then win some more.
      As for shutting up, he will not but will continue to speak out whenever he feels like it.
      The sad part is that he does not even know that you exist and yet he is living rent-free in your frustrated head.

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  1. Nick Parker

    Keep ALL politics out of sport. Sportsmen and women have NOT been voted in to give an opinion. Do your job, celebrate and go home.

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    • ReallyOldRacer

      Nick, I don't know where you live but here is the US you don't have to be voted in to give an opinion. Sportspeople have that right. They are often arrogant and misinformed, but they do have that right.

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  2. ReallyOldRacer

    Guys, I respectfully disagree that destroying more forest land is "political".

    "However, a spokesperson for the proposed Rio Motorpark circuit hit back at those sorts of claims, insisting the project would generate thousands of jobs and economic activity."

    That "spokesperson" comment is political, HAM's is environmental. Jobs and economic activity do not replace good stewardship of the earth. We have a good track at Interlagos and don't need another one.

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  3. Christine KInsey

    I am so tired of all this Hamilton bashing. Lewis has a valid point to make and he is not dictating to anyone. So often when we have someone great successfully representing our Country. We build them up and then try to knock them down.

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  4. Yrjo Veltheim

    I absolutely agree with Hamilton on this issue and I think Bolsonaro doesn't give a damn if the entire Amazon gets burned to the ground in support of his schemes.

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  5. Ricky

    It's not about politics it's about money and the greed of some people to build a new circuit. I'm no environmentalist but why cut down a forest to build a new track we don't need. F1 cant fill the circuits already on the calendar (before covid) let alone another one. Nothing wrong with Interlagos.

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  6. TVJAKE2

    Hamilton says: "I don't know the details and I've heard that a sustainable race could be possible there, but the most sustainable thing would be not to cut down trees," he said. Typical...he comments but doesn't know the details. While I don't think we need a track there at all, saying that something should not be built because it will cut down trees is a very uninformed comment. Usually, trees are replaced at a specified rate during a construction project. It could be 2:1, 3:1 or even 4:1. This will actually improve environmental management rather than hurt it. Hamilton is becoming Lewispopoff for any PC topic of the moment. He should educate himself if he's going to provide comments.

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  7. Tvjake2

    ROR - I'm trying to find the article where said they are changing these precepts for construction. Hopefully, they do...if not then they shouldn't build it. However, this doesn't change my opinion of Hamilton's PC approach to media manipulation. When I find the article I'll post the link.

    BTW - I appreciate all your comments on his forum.


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