Lewis Hamilton has cast some doubt on whether Kingspan Insulation branding will remain on his car, after a backlash in the media against the newly-signed sponsorship deal. Mercedes headed to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after signing a new deal with Kingspan, a company linked with the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017. 72 people died in the tragedy. The deal prompted a letter of dismay from survivors' group Grenfell United, with Mercedes issuing a response on Friday.
Hamilton offers his thoughts
Hamilton was asked about the deal during the post-qualifying press conference at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Saturday, where he said that it's "unfortunate" his name is being linked with the partnership. "It's not something that I feel I have to speak of publicly," he told accredited media, including RacingNews365.com . "I had nothing to do with the team signing any of the sponsors, apart from probably Tommy [Hilfiger], [that] was the only one I brought to the team. It was news to me when I heard the things that happened this week. "I was very much aware and watching very closely all the families that were affected by what happened there and we know there's been a huge outcry and an amazing amount of support from people in the community around there."
"It had nothing to do with me"
Hamilton went on to stress that the deal was something outside of his control, but hinted that he will be looking to have the Kingspan sponsorship decals removed from his car. "This really doesn't have anything to do with me and I know [Mercedes boss] Toto [Wolff] is sorting it," Hamilton explained. "Unfortunately, my name is associated with it because it's put on my car, but whether that remains the same, we shall see."
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