Hamilton criticises former drivers for 'talking smack' about young F1 stars

Lewis Hamilton has criticised former and current F1 drivers for speaking negatively about younger drivers still establishing themselves in the championship. The seven-time world champion said he was proud to see new talent coming through and accused some older drivers of having no empathy, despite having faced similar pressures themselves.

Hamilton said he wanted to avoid becoming that type of driver and preferred to praise what is deserved. He spoke after Kimi Antonelli won his first F1 title at 20, and said he respected the young drivers, including Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto, for their resilience and humility in handling the pressure of the sport.