Sir Richard Branson – showman, self-publicist and master of the media – could hardly have come up with a more symbolic setting if he tried.

Last weekend, his electric car racing team sped through New York City, clocking speeds of 150mph (240kmph) in cars built with technology he believes will make petrol-run cars obsolete.

“Being in Trump’s backyard, and with influential people around, does provide more context to the conversation,” admitted Alex Tai, Sir Richard’s team manager.

“We’re not here to sell cars. But we are part of a large transportation company, with our planes and trains, and soon cruise ships, transporting tens of millions of people a year. And if we can do that in a sustainable way, we think that can only be a good thing.”

Yet Sir Richard, speaking to The Daily Telegraph on the eve of the race, said he took no joy in the US situation following the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement – despite his evident pride in the sleek cars, which to the untrained eye could pass as Formula One.

Asked if there was a thrill in metaphorically sticking two fingers up to a man who he has fiercely criticised, and who has also attacked his friend Barack Obama, he insisted there was little pleasure.