Hamilton reveals 'concern' that "can't be good for the future"

F1 News

Lewis Hamilton concerned about young people getting to F1
Today at 14:00
  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Lewis Hamilton revealed his concern about young people trying to get into motorsports. The seven-time World Champion is alarmed by the high costs for young people and families and is also worried about their education.

"It's just crazy expensive. I don't know how much more it is today, but I heard it's two or three times, four times more than it was when I started. If I hadn't been signed by Mercedes and McLaren, I wouldn't be here today. So I think it's definitely concerning that it continues to ramp up the costs," Hamilton told GPblog and others in Baku.

Hamilton worried about children's education

Hamilton then revealed that he has also heard stories of young children not going to school so that they can focus on their karting careers. He asks for the sport to ensure the kids have something to fall back on.

"You must have to stay in school and get your education. Over 99%, probably, of the drivers don't get to Formula One, maybe more, a higher percentage. It would be great for them to be able to have something to get to fall back on. But I think people get so competitive now that kids are not going to school at all and just practice, practice, practice. And that can't be good for the future I don't think," Hamilton warned.

Hamilton, who will turn 40 in January, will start a new chapter next season when he moves to Ferrari. After being at Mercedes since 2013, the Brit has just six race weekends left with the German team.