Hamilton: Formula E won't be the pinnacle 'in the foreseeable future'

Lewis Hamilton won't be making a switch to Formula E any time soon as 'in the foreseeable future Formula E is not going to be the pinnacle', but the Formula 1 champion says that he wouldn't mind a behind the scenes role in the future.

The Mercedes F1 driver says that he is a fan of the ethical message promoted by the championship, but that this isn't enough for him to consider a move at present.

"The only reason that could be the case is for ethical reasons because sustainability is something I am very, very conscious of – and it’s hard for me right now in wanting to be a part of positive change for our climate, yet you’re flying everywhere," said Hamilton in an interview with Square Mile.

"But the good news is Mercedes-Benz is really taking responsibility for sustainability in its business, and is trying to be a part of that change.

"For me, I’m constantly conflicted, because I race Formula 1 cars that produce emissions – but they use some of the most advanced technology in the world, that can drive a positive change in road cars in the future.

"You know people will look at you trying to do something positive, but they’ll often focus on the negative."

Despite the attraction of the positive message that racing in Formula E would promote, Hamilton added that he wants to remain at the pinnacle of his profession for some time to come, something that racing in the all-electric championship would not allow him to do.

"In terms of racing, I race at the pinnacle of motorsport and in the foreseeable future Formula E is not going to be the pinnacle – and I want to be in the top echelon of the sport.

"For that reason, I don’t envisage racing in Formula E, but I can imagine myself being a part of something in the background.

"I like the idea of what it stands for and what it’s striving towards – for example, with my fashion collection, I’m pushing Tommy [Hilfiger] to be more sustainable."

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