Lewis Hamilton Blasts ‘Mediocre Older Drivers’ over Criticism Targeting F1 rookies

Lewis Hamilton fired some shots at the old drivers of Formula 1 who were not as welcoming to the rookies of the sport.

Lewis Hamilton Blasts ‘Mediocre Older Drivers’ over Criticism Targeting F1 rookies

Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli (via Getty)

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Formula 1 currently has drivers on both ends of the spectrum in terms of ages, starting from as young as Kimi Antonelli, who is just 19 years old, and Fernando Alonso, who is the oldest, being 44 years of age. However, the multiple rookies this year have proved that age isn’t a factor when it comes to achieving great results on the track. As such, amid the older drivers criticizing F1 rookies despite their performances, Lewis Hamilton has taken a dig at them and sided with the youth of the sport.

Lewis Hamilton himself was a young driver achieving great results on track from the get-go when he debuted in F1 back in 2007. Similar to current situations, the Briton wasn’t treated with much respect and affection from the veterans of the sport, possibly because of his age. However, Hamilton wants the upcoming generation of drivers not to face what he did back in the day.

Hence, Lewis Hamilton asserted that it was great to see young talent coming into Formula 1 as he recalled his own experiences back in 2007. The Briton reflected that drivers usually had a preconceived idea of what their F1 debut would be like. Sadly, the experience did not always live up to the massive hopes they had for their maiden year in the pinnacle of motorsport.

It’s great to see young talent coming through. I remember getting here in 2007 and being one of them,It’s an amazing experience, but before you get here, you have all these preconceived ideas of what it would be like. Most often it doesn’t equal what you amounted it to be.

Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Lewis Hamilton pointed out that even if he left F1, he would still be supporting the youth and being an active voice for them. The 40-year-old pointed out how the older guys said so many negative things coming from the veterans of the sport about the young generation of drivers.

Hamilton highlighted that the old drivers did not achieve much in their careers and simply talked down the rookies’ potential in F1. Regardless, the seven-time champion was glad to see the young drivers doing what they loved with a smile on their faces, regardless of the noise.

Even when I leave here, I’ll always be someone that’s supporting the youth. You hear so many negative things coming from these older guys. These older drivers that more often than not didn’t achieve much. I just love to see these guys keeping their heads down. Doing it with a smile and doing what they love. And succeeding. I’m as excited as you are to see the progression of their careers.

Lewis Hamilton added.

Lewis Hamilton claims young drivers ‘handling media really well’

Apart from the glamor that comes with being an F1 driver, they also have to deal with the media, as they bombard the youth with unnecessary questions that they might not have answers to. The rookies are handling all the duties with great care and not creating any controversial situations with their words alone. As such, Lewis Hamilton applauded the ability of the young drivers to handle their media duties well.

Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)
Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)

Lewis Hamilton insisted that the driving might be enjoyable for the rookies, but many other factors did not support their notion of Formula 1. Hamilton reckoned that there was huge pressure on the youngsters to perform well, and the bombardment of questions wasn’t helping either. The 40-year-old claimed that the rookies were ultimately handling the social media and the general media very well in recent.

Maybe the driving does, but then there’s all the other things that are around, and the pressure is hugely high, and these youngsters are getting bombarded with questions and obviously the social media. But I think they’ve all been handling it really well.

Lewis Hamilton noted.

The 2025 season of Formula 1 has been very exciting, especially with the rookies’ performances. Notably, Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar have already achieved their first podium finishes in their rookie season. While some rookies are certainly feeling the heat of the pinnacle of motorsport, Lewis Hamilton will try to make their experiences as enjoyable as possible.

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