Formula 1 drivers are some of the most well-known and rare sportspeople in the world, with only twenty drivers in the world able to race in the pinnacle of motorsport at one time.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has 31 million followers on Instagram while the recently retired Sebastian Vettel boasts 2.6 million despite only joining the platform in the summer.
Vettel has played a huge role in promoting change all around the globe during his time in Formula 1, wearing t-shirts and donning special helmet designs to campaign against various environmental and social issues.
2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg has also been eager to play his part in making the world a better place since retiring and has urged his countryman to continue using his influence for good even after calling time on his racing career.
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“I am sure he will do something where he will contribute to society,” suggested Rosberg.
“It is hugely important because we in sport have such an opportunity, we have such a big following and we can be role models, set an example and go down paths and explore.”
Lando Norris has begun to speak out about mental health in recent seasons, while Lewis Hamilton continues to do everything he can to campaign for what is right, no matter who it upsets.
The Brit wore a rainbow helmet in Qatar in support of the LBGTQ+ community and posted photos on social media despite being advised against it and Rosberg has claimed that acts like this can make a massive difference if more drivers follow suit.
“I still have a big following from back in the day and I do think it is our responsibility to leverage that as much as possible with things that really contribute to society.
“It has been really nice to see Lewis do that a lot. Of course, sometimes controversial but the way he is taking it is great.
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“Vettel has done it, I have been on that path so I think it is going in the right direction.”
The influence that drivers can have will be limited from now own after the FIA banned political gestures that have not been previously approved by the sport’s governing body.
It remains to be seen whether the FIA’s new regulations will stop the likes of Lewis Hamilton from protesting against the various injustices in the world, with the Brit unlikely to be deterred from doing what is right unless the penalty for doing so is significant.