Kingspan

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is facing protests from survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy over a decision to be sponsored by the company that made combustible insulation used on the tower. Kingspan, which campaigners say played a central role in the fire that killed 72 people, has agreed a deal with Mercedes that will see its logo emblazoned on Hamilton’s and other drivers’ Formula One cars. The survivors’ group Grenfell United called for the seven-time world champion to cancel the relationship. The insulation company changed the composition of its plastic foam boards before the fire in June 2017, which tests at the Grenfell Inquiry found “burned like a raging inferno”. It continued to sell the boards around the UK despite concerns, including a small amount on the Grenfell tower block in west Loandon. Mercedes said after the partnership was announced that it was “n exciting partnership”. The firm said in a statement that sponsorship deals were not decided by individual drivers. “Our partner Kingspan has supported, and continues to support, the vitally important work of the inquiry to determine what went wrong and why in the Grenfell Tower tragedy,” Mercedes said in a statement. “Our new partnership announced this week is centred on sustainability, and will support us in achieving our targets in this area.” Hamilton has previously spoken out in solidarity with victims of the blaze. On the third anniversary of the fire he posted on Instagram: “Remembering the 72 souls we lost and their loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragedy.”