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Warwick: F1 risks not seeing the 'next Lewis Hamilton' due to motorsport expenses

Published on 16 Jan 2020 17:51
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By: Fergal Walsh

Formula 1 risks missing out on the "next Lewis Hamilton" due to the high costs of competing full-time in motorsport, according to Derek Warwick.

Warwick, a former grand prix driver who know acts as the vice-president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, has mirrored Hamilton's comments, who insists that racing has become too expensive.

MORE: Brawn: High costs of entering junior categories a concern

A new e-kart series that offers a level playing was recently launched by former Williams engineer Rob Smedley, as it aims to value talent over money.

Warwick has called for change, as he sees talent being missed out due to drivers gaining seats with heavy financial backing.

“If we are not careful, we are not going to get the next Lewis Hamilton because he is not going to be able to afford it unless his father or mother is a multimillionaire,” Warwick said, as quoted by The Guardian.

Warwick used recent Autosport BRDC Award receiver Johnathon Hoggard as an example, as he fears the Briton will not be able to progress far in his career due to a lack of funds.

“We are doing our little bit to try and help British motorsport but it is difficult,” he said. “With Johnathan I fear he might not be able to carry on his career because he hasn’t got enough money to make the next step.

"Which is really disappointing for me because he looks something special and it is rare you get someone so special coming through in British motorsport.

“He is an extreme talent but whether he can make it into F1 I am not really sure. If you have a big budget behind you or a wealthy family, it makes it easier but it is not impossible. It is possible but it is more luck or circumstances.”

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Derek Warwick

Replies (4)

Ram Samartha

Posts: 1,172
Probably true, not to mention that it's not just about talent and money,it's about getting the right car and right team at the right time. VER seems to be getting close to Ham's talent level but he is going to have a tougher time of getting titles than Ham did. If RBR doesn't step it up a notch, this long term contract VER signed might just be career limiting keeping him out of potential top seats in 2021 and 2022.
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- Jan 18 2020 - 07:35
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  In many regards I'd say Leclerc and Max are both up there already to some extent, and, as I've done before, I'd argue they'd be less incident prone had they been driving in cars directly on par with the Merc's. At any rate, unless Max made Marko write his contract, I think he'll have some performance clause what'll allow him to switch if there is a better seat at hand.
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  Jan 18 2020 - 16:25
- Ram Samartha
  
  Posts: 1,172
  Could be, but if I had to put money on who has the better strategy I would have to pick Marko over VER. I don't like the guy but he is a pretty smart businessman. I think the contract was probably motivated largely because he didn't want to lose Max, but even more importantly he doesn't want to lose him to a team that would allow him to beat RBR.
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  Jan 19 2020 - 05:37
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  No doubt, Marko is skilled at his stuff (though I wish he'd not open his mouth as often, so as to not allow the apparitions to escape from his ghost-riddled mouth), but there have been goss about a performance clause in the contract. I could see him allow such a clause but with a lot... A LOT... of restrictions. He won't let his pet driver go unless it can be helped. :)
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  Jan 19 2020 - 08:18