Hamilton not surprised: 'Perhaps it's more a cultural thing'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
According to Lewis Hamilton, Formula One should be looking for the next American driver as the sport's popularity continues to grow in the country. This is partly due to the Netflix series Drive to Survive. Still, the sport needs to go one step further according to the Brit.
Despite increasing interest in the country, there is still no American driver in Formula One. It has now been more than six years since the last American drove in the sport. According to Hamilton, the culture of the U.S. is a stumbling block to an American's route into the sport.
"It doesn't really surprise me", Hamilton said at the press conference in Miami when asked why there are no American drivers on the grid. "I think it’s perhaps more a cultural thing. You know, here in the States it’s the NFL, NBA. It’s NASCAR, IndyCar. Unfortunately, the Americans have to wake up at odd times in order to watch a Grand Prix.”
F1 needs to find American driver
The seven-time world champion does think a step in the right direction has been taken. No fewer than three races will be held in the country in 2023 with the arrival of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
"I think this new step that’s been taken, into bringing awareness, the Netflix show, has really just brought in that amazing fan base, a sport fan base that we have that there is here in the US. I’m sure there are some amazing drivers here somewhere as they have so many great sporting talents. So it would be a good mission for us to find the next one.”