Lewis Hamilton Wins His 4th Russian Grand Prix

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has won his fourth Russian Grand Prix title. He beat out Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas by 3.8 seconds and was five seconds ahead of third-place Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. The victory marks Hamilton’s 82nd career win.

“It is incredible to have this result considering how quick [Ferrari] were off the start,” said Hamilton. “To keep up with them was an incredibly hard task.”

Hamilton has credited his shift to a vegan diet with improving his performance on the track. The Russian Grand Prix victory puts him further on the path to nabbing his 6th Formula One World Champion title. Considered the best driver in the world currently and one of the greatest in the sport’s history, he’s one of only three drivers to win five world champion titles.

“What an effort, guys,” Hamilton said on the radio to his team after the race. “What an incredible job. That is exactly what we needed. We never give up.”

While Hamilton is favored to clinch his sixth title this season, he says he’s not focused on looking that far ahead. “I try not to think about the championship and take it one race at a time,” he said.

“We don’t want to stumble. It feels like a long time coming, but the first time, too, so that is why this win is special.”

Vegan Platform

Hamilton has been increasingly vocal about his vegan lifestyle. He frequently uses his social media platforms to talk about animal rights issues, recently saying it would be a waste to not use his platform to speak out.

The athlete signed on as an executive producer for the recently released documentary “The Game Changers.” The James Cameron-produced film was directed by Academy Award winner Louis Psihoyos. It details the performance and stories of the world’s top vegan athletes, including Hamilton.

Late last month, the athlete launched Neat Burger, a UK-based vegan burger chain with plans for swift global expansion.

“I’m very passionate about being kinder to our world and also really respect Neat Burger’s commitment to more ethical practices and supporting small businesses,” Hamilton said in a statement, “so this is something I’m also really proud to support.”