The Berlin Formula E race got off to a strange start when a group of protesters rushed the track and caused a delay with the protest video viral
Members of the ‘Last Generation’ group of climate activists climbed over the fences and onto the start/finish straight, where they tried to glue themselves to the track and official support cars.
The electric cars were supposed to get ready for lights out before the race started. But the protest caused a delay because security and guards had to take the people off the grid. Six minutes after the event was supposed to start, the people who were making trouble were led out of Templeholf and put in jail. The race couldn’t start until then.
Last Generation climate activist protestors storm Berlin Formula E Race, protest video goes viral
When the environment protesters wanted to prove a point last in Formula 1 British GP Silverstone 2022, it was understandable because F1 cars uses petrol engines also their ahh was saved by Zhou Crash , but WTF they want to protest in Formula E ? pic.twitter.com/jEfJanVF1M
— ahmed baokbah 🇸🇦🏎✈️ (@ahmed_baokbah) April 23, 2023
The drivers were not pleased by what the protesters did at Formula E, which is understandable. Jake Dennis said on The Race that he wasn’t sure “what they were trying to achieve.” Antonio Felix da Costa, on the other hand, said that he “was not a fan of that sort of stuff. I think we are all fighting for the same right? I’m not sure what they are trying to do because we are probably the worst category in motorsport for them to come and do this at. We are by far the most ecological, sustainable and new zero series that ever existed. We are pushing boundaries in every direction.”
Formula E drivers criticize activists for targeting the most sustainable racing series
Nico Mueller agreed with da Costa, saying, “I thought it was pretty ridiculous, I don’t know if these people realise what we are doing here.”
i literally have it on video omg pic.twitter.com/GQLfXagIyh
— mars (@slagclaren) April 23, 2023
Many people pointed out that Formula E is already the most eco-friendly and sustainable racing series, so it seems strange that organisers would pick it as their target. Also, the dangerous disruption put drivers, marshals, security, and onlookers in danger.
Protests at Formula E races: A history of disruptive incidents
This isn’t the first time protesters have caused trouble at Formula E races. In 2019, a group of protesters stopped the Hong Kong E-Prix by putting up a flag and blocking the track. Last year, a protester ran onto the track during the Silverstone British Grand Prix, which caused a safety car to be sent out.
Protesting is a good way to talk about problems and get people’s attention, but putting the lives of drivers, officials, and spectators in risk is not the right way to do it. Everyone’s safety should always be the most important thing. The drivers and officials have said that the Formula E series is already pushing the limits when it comes to being green and sustainable, so it’s not clear why they would be targeted.
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