Mercedes unsure whether Lewis Hamilton’s ‘feel like giving up’ message is also related to F1
MERCEDES have admitted they are "unsure" about whether Lewis Hamilton's "feel like giving up" Instagram post also applies to Formula One.
The 34-year-old star took to the social media site to air his frustrations over the way people are damaging the environment.
Five-time winner of the Formula One World Driver's Championship, Hamilton urged people to go vegan in a bid to save the planet.
The Brit then worried fans by writing: "Honestly, I feel like giving up on everything. Shut down completely."
A Mercedes spokesman was asked for a response to the post by Germany's SID news agency.
And they said: "I think he was responding to environmental issues and not anything related to racing.
"However, I'm not sure."
As well as worrying for his wellbeing, fans will be hoping that Hamilton is in a good state of mind to compete - with just four races left of the Formula One season.
He could wrap up the Driver's Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix on October 27 if he beats team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 14 points.
This would require Hamilton to win the race, secure the bonus point for fastest lap - and hope that Bottas fails to finish in the top three.
Hamilton has only won once in Mexico - back in 2016.
The season then finishes with races in the US, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton has recently become more aware of and concerned by key environmental issues.
Previously he would fly his dogs around the world in a £25million candy red private jet - but he has now sold the fuel guzzling aircraft.
As part of his most recent Instagram post, since deleted, he urged his followers to go vegan to help save the planet.
He wrote: "I urge you, to do some research, find the compassion I know you have within you to recognise what you are contributing to in terms of what you eat which keeps the meat and dairy industry flourishing and therefore deforestation, animal cruelty, our seas and climate decaying on a daily basis.
"Go vegan, it is the only way to truly save our planet today. It can be done so quickly, all you have to do is put your mind to it."
The environmentalist has also used his platform to speak out on dolphin cruelty.
On a video, he said: "The brutality Taiji’s dolphin hunters have demonstrated towards Pacific white-sided dolphins is deplorable."
He then urged viewers to "watch, share and act".