Hamilton on F1 weekends: 'We always need to make sure that it's accessible'
F1 News
- Savannah Lenz
Lewis Hamilton has often called out Formula 1 for being unattainable for some F1 fans. While in Las Vegas, he talked about how important it was to stay within the fan's reach - and to not put the blame on the visiting celebrities that decorate the paddocks.
With the costs rising yearly, grand prixs are hard for some fans to attend. One of the most expensive races is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, known for its larger-than-life celebrity presence and the iconic background of the Las Vegas Strip. But having a race like this on the calendar doesn't come without its struggles. Especially for the fans.
Hamilton wants accessible and sustainable races
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, many celebrities went to the race and enjoyed the weekend. When asked about the increasing celebrity presence, Hamilton said, "Well, the more eyeballs on this sport, it's not a bad thing. I would say that races like some European races for example, when you've got people that are coming in, it's less celebrity. There's still a lot of celebs that do turn up into the group."
However, he knows that it is a slippery slope when it comes to the races and who it's actually for. "I think we always need to make sure that it's accessible, that it's not too, so far out of reach for people that also work very hard for their money, but cannot afford to get to the race weekend". Hamilton noted, "[Las Vegas] is a very glitz and glamour--, one of the many glitz and glamour races. But for example, we had kids here from all over, very diverse."
The seven-time world champion continued, "I think it's great that the school here is starting to now work on D&I and make sure that access to young kids, showing that young kids, it doesn't matter where you're from, belong here. Hopefully, we'll see those in many years to come and work towards being here one day. We've got a lot of work to do to make sure that the place continues to be-- is more inclusive and people feel comfortable in the environment. And people that do get hired and can sustain it and actually keep a job."
Throughout his career, Hamilton has worked to expand diversity and inclusion programs within Formula 1 and their surrounding partners.
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