Mercedes’ Formula 1 team, which includes Britain’s Lewis Hamilton in its driver lineup, is facing backlash over a sponsorship deal from a company that makes some of the insulation materials used used on Grenfell Tower.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Leveling, Housing & Communities, last night voiced condemnation from the relatives of the 72 people killed in the devastating 2017 fire over the decision to add Kingspan to their financial supporters.
The group of Grenfell United survivors, in a letter to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, demanded the severing of the relationship: “Kingspan played a central role in causing the pain and suffering that we We feel today, and there must be a degree of public criticism for Kingspan’s recklessness and carelessness towards human life”.
Mr Gove tweeted: “Really disappointed that @MercedesAMGF1 is accepting funding from Kingspan cladding while the Grenfell Inquiry is ongoing.
“I will write to Mercedes to ask them to reconsider. The Grenfell community deserves better. ”
Deeply disappointed that @MercedesAMGF1 is accepting sponsorship from Kingspan paneling while the Grenfell Investigation is ongoing. I will write to Mercedes to ask them to reconsider. The Grenfell community deserves better. https://t.co/O9RThVXUuX
– Michael Gove (@michaelgove) December 2, 2021
The investigation has raised questions about the safety of Kingspan’s plastic foam board – used in small quantities on Grenfell’s cladding.
It is heard that the composition of Kooltherm K15 insulation is flammable and has not been tested properly.
Kingspan told The Guardian: “Kingspan played no role in the design of the cladding system on Grenfell Tower, where its K15 product made up about 5% of the insulation and was used as an alternative without Kingspan does not know in a system that does not comply with building regulations.
“The new partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team reflects the ambitious sustainability goals of both organisations.”
The fight threatens to overshadow Lewis Hamilton’s bid for a record eighth world championship title, which continues this weekend in Saudi Arabia.
The British star, who has campaigned vigorously on issues including racism and LGBTQ+ rights, admitted on Thursday that he is uncomfortable about racing in a country with “worthwhile” human rights laws. be afraid”.
He has not commented on Kingspan sponsorship.
Mercedes has emphasized that drivers are not involved in funding decisions.
The team said in a statement: “Our Kingspan partner has supported, and continues to support, the critically important work of the investigation to determine what happened and why during the tragedy. Grenfell Tower.
“Our new partnership announced this week is focused on sustainability and will assist us in achieving our goals in this area.”
