PETA have condemned Lewis Hamilton and urged the F1 driver to 'wake up' after he posed for a photograph on a camel during his recent holiday in Morocco.
The 39-year-old has been spending some time away from Formula One, with the next Grand Prix due to take place in the Netherlands on August 25.
Earlier this week, Hamilton took to social media to share images of himself on his holiday in Morocco.
The Stevenage-born racer was condemned by fans, however, having posed for a photo on a camel - despite being vegan.
Lewis Hamilton has been condemned by PETA after posing on a camel while on holiday
Animal rights group PETA have now reacted to the image.
And they've criticised Hamilton, insisting the F1 star must 'wake up' while saying the camel was likely to be 'dragged to a hideously cruel death'.
PETA Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen exclusively told GB News: "PETA urges Lewis to wake up to the animal abuse which he is unwittingly supporting.
"We know he cares about animals and bet dollars to doughnuts that he is unaware that camels used for rides may be subjected to extreme violence – and that whippings, beatings, injuries, and exhaustion are the norm whenever animals are forced to transport tourists.
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"There is no retirement for camels like the one Lewis posed with, and, as PETA has exposed, they will likely be dragged to a hideously cruel death once they’re too broken, which is why the best way to help camels, elephants, donkeys, and other animals is to refuse to get taken for a ride."
In the comments section on Hamilton's Instagram, fans expressed their disappointment with his antics.
"Vegans don’t ride animals or support animal cruelty. What a shame, Lewis!" said one user.
A second said: No way you are riding a camel and say you are vegan. I am so sad :/."
A third reacted by saying: "Lewis, camels are not entertainment or transport.
"They are sentient beings that suffer, just like the other nonhuman animals you advocate for by being vegan.
"Please educate yourself on the suffering this senseless tourism activity inflicts on the camels. We know you can do better, and have been a great example of veganism so far.
"Nonhumans need you to be consistent with your values. The world is watching and you are so influential! Be consistent."
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PETA have urged Lewis Hamilton to 'wake up' following his holiday snaps
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And a fourth raged: "Why are [you] sitting on a camels back? Vegans don't sit on animals. Very disappointed."
Hamilton has long made it clear he's against animal exploitation.
He previously wrote on Instagram in 2020, saying he was keen for wildlife to be protected.
"It’s so important that we fight for those that don’t have a voice, animal rights and protecting our planet’s amazing wildlife," he said at the time.
Lewis Hamilton will return to F1 action on August 25
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"The illegal wildlife trade continues to thrive and it damages our environment and threatens endangered species."
Hamilton will return to F1 action later this month.
The Mercedes star has turned his season around, with the Briton recently winning races at the British Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix as he hunts down Max Verstappen.
