Anthony Hamilton joins FIA to help shape future of young drivers

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Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, is poised to take on a pivotal role in the FIA’s Young Driver Development Pathway, a program set to launch at the FIA Conference in Macau this June.

After 18 months of behind-the-scenes advisory work with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Hamilton Sr.’s appointment marks a significant step in the governing body’s mission to create a more ethical and structured route for young drivers from grassroots motorsport to the professional ranks.

His experience guiding his son’s meteoric rise from karting to F1 stardom positions him as a key figure in nurturing the next generation of racing talent, amid a backdrop of FIA controversies and simmering political tensions.

Driving Change at the Grassroots

The FIA’s Young Driver Development Pathway aims to address growing concerns about accessibility and transparency in motorsport’s junior ranks.

Anthony Hamilton’s role, fueled by his wealth of insight, will focus on safeguarding young drivers from exploitative management and providing clearer pathways to professional racing.

While the move is being welcomed by many as a step forward, it unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing political tension within the FIA.

Lewis Hamilton’s often strained relationship with Ben Sulayem has seen the Ferrari driver clash with the FIA chief in recent years on a multitude of topics and sporting code regulations, including a now-relaxed crackdown on driver radio swearing.

When asked this week about the latest policy shifts, Lewis Hamilton responded candidly: “I hadn’t seen it, so I don’t know where it’s stemming from. I mean, it is ridiculous, I don’t really know.”

Despite these tensions, Anthony Hamilton’s inclusion in the FIA’s young driver project underscores the governing body’s intent to separate development work from its more contentious political dealings.

Drivers React Amid Frustrations with FIA

Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate George Russell, who also serves as director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, echoed broader frustrations about a perceived lack of communication between the FIA and drivers.

“We’ve still had no correspondence with anyone from the senior level at the FIA. So yeah, it’s all a bit suspect,” Russell said, reflecting on the FIA recent softening stance on driver swearing and conduct.

“It seems more challenging than it should be really, but we’ve all put our views forward.”

Read also: FIA softens stance on driver swearing with revised Code

Hamilton Sr’s involvement is viewed by many as a constructive counterbalance to this disconnect, particularly in ensuring young drivers have proper mentorship and protection early in their careers.

His role is not expected to carry any political weight, but his presence will inevitably draw attention as the FIA attempts to rebuild trust at multiple levels of the sport.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.