Lewis Hamilton drawn into Extinction Rebellion campaign that led to four activists being arrested at the British Grand Prix
Extinction Rebellion activists broke into circuit at British Grand Prix on Sunday
Four activists were arrested, with protestors unveiling a banner saying 'Act Now'
The group issued a statement on Sunday in which they quoted Lewis Hamilton
By JONATHAN MCEVOY FOR THE DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 17:30 EDT, 2 August 2020 

Lewis Hamilton was drawn into an Extinction Rebellion campaign that resulted in four activists being arrested at Silverstone on Sunday.

The environmental activists broke into the circuit hours before the British Grand Prix.

As the cars took off for the formation lap, the protestors unveiled a pink banner, reading 'Act Now', behind the start line.


An Extinction Rebellion campaign took place at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday

Later, they emerged on the pit straight disguised as marshals.

Extinction Rebellion issued a statement on Sunday night in which they quoted Hamilton as having said: 'Climate change is a serious threat. Every one of us has the responsibility to protect our future and the future of the next generation.'

Hamilton has often voiced concern over the environment, and last month chided people for wearing disposable face masks because they 'end up on the ocean floor'.

Extinction Rebellion, who brought large parts of central London to a standstill last year, said they wanted to 'send a clear message to millions of viewers that the world is way off track to stop climate and ecological emergency.

Activists unveiled a pink banner, which read 'Act Now', behind the start line at Silverstone

Silverstone and Northamptonshire Police said in a joint statement: 'During the race, police were made aware of four people who had been detained by Silverstone security inside the venue perimeter.

'Officers are working closely with Silverstone Circuit and conducting a full investigation. Four people have been arrested and are in police custody.'

Silverstone are reviewing their security measures ahead of next weekend's second half of a double-header, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Sunday's protest is not the most eye-catching at a British Grand Prix. That came in 2003 when a former Irish priest in an orange skirt ran across the 200mph Hangar Straight, forcing cars to avoid him.


Extinction Rebellion issued a statement on Sunday quoting six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has often used his platform to voice concern over the environment

The sport was also targeted by Greenpeace activists at Belgium in 2013 over title sponsor Shell's oil exploration in the Arctic. Formula One launched a sustainability plan last year, setting out how the sport can be net carbon-neutral by 2030.

Meanwhile, all F1 personnel will have to live within their Covid 'bubbles' ahead of this coming Sunday's race or submit themselves to a fresh test before returning to Silverstone.

So far only one driver, Sergio Perez of Racing Point, has tested positive. Given the requirement for 10 days of self-isolation upon a positive test for the virus, it is touch and go whether he will be eligible for inclusion at the weekend.

His positive test was only made public on Thursday of last week.