LEWIS HAMILTON has slammed “toxic” social media and urged people to come off it.
The seven-times World Champion has never been afraid to give his view on things outside the track.
GettyHamilton made his feelings on social media clear[/caption]
And while he continues to search for his first race win of the season after a frustrating tactical error left him high and dry in Mexico, Hamilton had an important message for his fans.
He urged people to put their mental health above social media and criticised “hurtful” comments that people leave.
He said: “Social media is getting more and more toxic as the years go on and I think we should all come off it ultimately.
“Mental health is such a prominent thing right now. So many people are reading the comments and the stuff people say, and it is hurtful.
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“Fortunately, I don’t read the stuff but the media platforms need to do more to protect people, particularly young kids and women, but at the moment they are not doing that so I think this will just continue.”
His observation comes just days after he had his own social media run-in with former teammate Fernando Alonso.
The outspoken Spaniard suggested that Hamilton’s titles were of less value than Verstappens’ as the Brit only had to “fight [his] teammate.”
In response, Hamilton posted a picture on Twitter of himself on the top step of the US Grand Prix podium in 2007 looking down on his then-McLaren teammate Alonso.
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F1 also finds itself at a particularly divisive time as old rows rear their heads and drivers being booed becoming an increasingly common sight.
Confirmation that Red Bull broke the cost cap has led to fans question the legitimacy of their title victories.
And the team have even boycotted Sky after roving F1 reporter Ted Kravitz claimed that Hamilton had been “robbed”.