Lewis Hamilton has admitted that a huge “problem” in motorsport which is only getting worse, is how “expensive” it is, with the seven-time World Champion having discussed the issue with two talented racing drivers.
The conversation in question occurred during the latest episode of BBC show We are England, which follows teenage racing drivers Lewis Appiagyei and Ruben Stanislaus.
Appiagyei and Stanislaus have become real junior sensations in the racing world, with the duo having broken several records at historic karting circuit Buckmore Park, Kent, where Hamilton made his name known to the world.
The pair have gone on to compete in the Praga Cup UK; however, a lack of funding has put their careers in jeopardy.
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Hamilton spoke to the pair in a recent episode of the show, where he admitted just how expensive Formula 1 is, after being asked what obstacles they’ll have to overcome to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Well the problem with our sport is it is expensive,” Hamilton explained to the duo on the We are England episode.
“But there are a lot of people out there today, companies that are looking at improving diversity and inclusion. There’s a lot of companies out there that want to be partnered with the right message.
“It’s not just what you do on track, but it’s also how you present yourself. How you handle yourself when you lose.”
As talented as the duo are, they are in desperate need of financial support, with Stanislaus’ father having revealed what’ll happen should funding not “be found”.
“We still need sponsors on board to take them onto that next level,” Stanislaus’ father Steve explained.
“It’s a simple equation, the money just needs to be found to drive the car. Without that, the career just comes to a standstill.”
Hamilton is perhaps set to be the last F1 driver to come from a non-rich background, with the Brit’s father having worked multiple jobs at the start of the 38-year-old’s career to ensure he could race.
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Due to his incredible talent, Hamilton was taken on and supported by McLaren and Mercedes during his junior career; however, this “isn’t enough anymore”.
“We worked hard with what we had and were blessed to have been spotted by Ron Dennis [of McLaren] and Mercedes but that isn’t enough anymore,” Hamilton’s father added.
“If costs continue to escalate at the junior level, and junior series remain financially unregulated, then I think Lewis will be the last of his generation.”