Hamilton: Parental involvement in F1 career ‘a thin line to walk’

Lewis Hamilton believes that maintaining a parent’s active role in the management of a career in Formula is “a thin line to walk”.

Hamilton weighed in on the topic amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, and the involvement of Max Verstappen's father, Jos.

Following last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen Sr, a former F1 driver himself, ignited fresh controversy by suggesting the Red Bull team faced the risk of being "torn apart" if Horner remained in charge.

These comments came after an internal investigation ordered by Red Bull cleared Horner of alleged inappropriate behavior towards a female colleague.

Hamilton conceded that he had not been aware of Jos Verstappen’s comments but deemed the latter’s criticism as “definitely not helpful”.

"I don't know the details of it,” he said. “So I don't know what he's basing these foundations off.

“But at the end of the day, he's not a part of the team, he's a parent. And so that's just an opinion, but it's definitely not helpful.”

• Read also: Horner holds talks with Verstappen’s manager to ease tensions

Hamilton's early journey in Formula 1 was marked by the constant presence at his side of his father, Anthony. A pivotal figure in Hamilton's rise, he acted as his manager and accompanied him to every race, offering guidance and support from the pit lane.

However, this close professional relationship wasn't without its challenges. The constant pressure and demanding nature of the sport inevitably took a toll on their personal relationship.

Recognizing this strain, Hamilton and his father made the difficult decision to end their professional partnership. As Hamilton sought out the expertise of professional management agencies, they transitioned solely into a father-son relationship.

Reflecting on his own experience, Hamilton acknowledged the inherent complexities of having a parent so deeply involved in a driver's career.

The seven-time world champion implied that while such support can be invaluable, maintaining a healthy balance and navigating the potential pitfalls are crucial for long-term success.

"I think it is a very thin line to walk,” he said. “I think it's also dependent on your relationship with your parent.

“You meet some people who have a great relationship with their parents, and they've been amazing parents, and then you've got people that have had bad relationships. And this is not necessarily parents that have been good to them.

“So I don't know about his [Verstappen’s] relationships. Obviously, you hear things here and there. But Max is a grown man, and he's a champion, and I'm sure he can make his own decisions.

“But I think in our world, as drivers, it's very, very easy to be misled by people whispering in your ear, and perhaps not guiding you always the right way.

“I'm not saying it's the case there, because they're doing great. But I know in sports, other athletes that I've spoken to that I see, whether it's in tennis, and I've experienced it, when you sometimes don't have the right guidance around you, it leads to you either making the wrong decisions, or not being able to perhaps be the best at what you do.

“But that's obviously clearly not the case there, he's performing well.

“So it is very difficult, because you want your parent to be your parent, and have a good relationship. But when business is involved, it makes it really difficult.”

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