The debate on e-cigarettes was revived by the presence of tobacco groups, back in Formula 1, at McLaren et Ferrari. For the occasion, some pilots including French Romain Grosjean were questioned on the subject.
R.GROSJEAN: " I THINK E-CIGARETTES ARE LESS BAD«
British American Tobacco, which sponsors the British team, has highlighted its brand Vype from the Bahrain GP, a producer of electronic cigarettes. Asked about the risk for children to see such names, the F1 drivers are skeptical.
« Oh my God. I'm going to row on that one » jokes Romain Grosjean about the somewhat complex question put to him in Shanghai.
« I am the first to tell my friends to stop smoking and I tell them many times and I am very proud of it. I think e-cigarettes may be less bad. If they want to sponsor Formula 1, why not."
He compares these changes made by tobacco groups to those sought by oil companies: « I have worked with Total for many years, an oil company in France or abroad, we have had amazing experiences together and we could say that oil is not good for the environment and so on, but I think companies like Total are trying to do a lot for the environment and just to produce oil."
« So I don't know much about e-cigarettes to be honest, but if it's better for health reasons and if it's less smelly too… You know, we just turned them up. 
stairs and it smelled horribly cigarette. Like in airports, the first thing everyone does when they go out is to smoke their first cigarette and it stinks. It can be good progress, that's good, and if it helps our sport, it's even better.«
Sergio Pérez found himself with nothing to add to this answer and was amused by the Frenchman's nice answer: « Yes, Romain did a good job with that one."
Kimi Räikkönen considers that he is not concerned by the legislation concerning the display of brands relating to electronic cigarettes, but considers that his children will not be influenced by any advertising made around these products: « No, I have no problem.«
« I don't see the connection between my son being able to see advertisements on one or the other, it doesn't matter if it's alcohol or cigarettes, and his choices. This is what I believe. Has it affected my choices when I've seen it in the past? Rules are rules, and whether I can do it or not isn't about me, but I don't have to worry."
Grosjean concludes by recalling that tobacco advertising has existed for a long time in Formula 1 and has not pushed all enthusiasts to smoke: « What Kimi says is right, because we watched Formula 1 when there was a lot of advertising for cigarettes on cars. Williams, Jordan, Ferrari and McLaren had some. I have never smoked in my life, but I have seen a lot of shopping and I do not think there is a link.«
Source : Motorsport.nextgen-auto.com/
