Hamilton criticises former drivers over comments on young F1 stars

Lewis Hamilton has criticised former Formula 1 drivers for "talking smack" about the series' young stars, saying he has always been determined not to become that type of driver. Asked at Interlagos whether Kimi Antonelli's title success had prompted him to reflect on his own career, the seven-time champion said he was proud to see new drivers coming through.

Hamilton said that although older drivers had been through similar pressures themselves, they showed "no empathy" towards the young generation. The Ferrari driver, who is 41 and made his 400th grand prix start in Sao Paulo, praised the drivers across the field for arriving each week under heavy pressure and getting back up after mistakes.

Antonelli won nine grands prix on his way to becoming F1's youngest world champion, having joined Mercedes after Hamilton moved to Ferrari in 2025. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, 22, has also impressed this season with three podium finishes in his second year.