Vegan Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton prepared for his record-breaking sixth British Grand Prix victory by treating his team to a vegan Caribbean barbecue. 

The 34 year old, often considered to be the greatest driver in the history of the sport, shared the experience with fans on his Instagram story: “So we’re at the British Grand Prix and decided to throw a Caribbean barbecue for my team. Everyone’s come out on a Thursday night because everyone generally finishes early on Thursday night, and I’ve got everyone trying the Beyond Meat burger and sausage, which are incredible.

“A lot of my guys have never tried it before and they all love it, especially with a bit of the hot sauce and everything. It’s great. It’s all vegan. Beyond Meat is all vegan, plant-based. Once you go Beyond Meat, you ain’t going back.”

Of his victory in his home country, Hamilton said “It’s one of the single most incredible feelings and special moments an athlete can have. I come here and I’ve got this incredible support. They always talk about how much it lifts you up and it’s a huge amount of energy but a lot of weight comes with that, a lot of responsibility. So I just really, really wanted to deliver.”

Vegan champions

Hamilton has been vegan since 2017, largely for animal rights reasons, and has regularly posted pro-animal rights messages on his Instagram. After a Formula 1 rule change allowing drivers to weigh more than 68kg, he was able to bulk up and gain significant muscle growth with his plant-based diet. 

“Adding weight was easy and I did this on a vegan diet,” Hamilton wrote in an Instagram post. “People say ‘oh I need my protein and that’s why I could never go vegan’. I have plenty of protein in my diet and I’ve gained muscle, and I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been.”

Hamilton’s win was not the only vegan victory of the day, as Novak Djokovic, who credits his plant-based diet for improving his recovery time, won at Wimbledon in a five set match against Roger Federer.

• Read: Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘upsetting’ annual slaughter of dolphins

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Marlon Farrugia

Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and animal rights is a strong theme in much of his work. He is primarily a humorist and fiction writer, with a background in theatre and music. Visit him at marlonwrites.com.

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