Hamilton issues go-karters instruction after 'concerning' developments

Lewis Hamilton has issued a warning to go-karters about the risks of not attending school simply to practice racing. 

The costs of go-karting and junior categories have risen sharply in recent years, with an F2 season estimated to be in the region of £1 million. Most drivers do not reach that level due to a lack of funding. 

Mercedes' driver Hamilton came through the junior karting system, and was ultimately picked up by the McLaren programme. Then-boss Ron Dennis, though, insisted Hamilton return to school to complete his education in case of failure in his career.

The rising costs of junior racing and the impact on the education of children drew Hamilton's attention, with the seven-time F1 champion believing the current landscape "can't be good for the future".

"It is crazy expensive and I don't know how much more it is today, but I've heard it is two, three or four times more than it was for me," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.

"If I hadn't been signed by Mercedes and McLaren, I wouldn't be here, so it is definitely concerning that the costs continue [to rise], and I also recently heard that in karting, kids aren't going to school anymore.

"But the sport needs to really make sure that kids continue to have something to fall back on. To get your licence, you have to stay in school and get your education.

"So then over 99 per cent of drivers who don't make it to Formula 1, have something to be able to fall back on. 

"But [parents] are getting so competitive now that kids are not going to school and it is just 'practice, practice, practice', and that can't be good for the future."