Anthony Hamilton set for FIA role focused on young driver development
Anthony Hamilton Joins FIA to Champion Young Driver Development
Emilia-Romagna GP – Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, is poised to step into an official role within the FIA, the sport’s governing body, following his contribution to advising FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on developing young drivers. This development was confirmed by a spokesman for the FIA during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, after initial reports surfaced in The Times.
A Focus on Young Driver Development
Hamilton’s involvement is centered on the FIA’s Young Driver Development Pathway, an initiative aimed at fostering grassroots motorsport talent while safeguarding young drivers from exploitation by unethical managers or agents. The program is slated for its official launch at the FIA Conference in Macau this June. It marks a significant stride towards ensuring that aspiring drivers receive both professional guidance and ethical representation as they navigate their early careers.
FIA Leadership Election Looms
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has served as FIA president since 2021, is expected to seek re-election for a second four-year term in December. However, the race for leadership could be competitive, with Spaniard Carlos Sainz Sr.—a two-time rally champion and father of current Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr.—reportedly weighing a challenge against Ben Sulayem. The election process requires candidates to present a list of vice-presidents, including two representatives from Europe and one each from the remaining five global regions.
Anthony Hamilton's decision to align with Ben Sulayem appears to reduce the likelihood of him supporting rival candidates in the upcoming election. It remains unclear what impact Hamilton’s contribution to the FIA will have on the internal dynamics of the governing body, but his new role signals a commitment to advancing the future of motorsport.
Family Connections and Speculation
Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with FIA president Ben Sulayem has been described as strained at times, leading to speculation about potential friction stemming from his father’s new role. However, Anthony Hamilton has not been involved in managing Lewis’s career for several years, suggesting this move is independent of his son’s racing trajectory.
Lewis Hamilton himself made headlines earlier this year with a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, a move that has further cemented his legacy as the sport's most decorated driver. As attention shifts toward his father’s contributions off the track, Anthony Hamilton’s involvement in grassroots development could play a vital role in shaping the next generation of motorsport talent.
Looking Ahead to the FIA Conference
With the FIA conference in Macau on the horizon, all eyes will be on how the Young Driver Development Pathway unfolds and what impact this initiative—and Anthony Hamilton’s role in it—will have on the global motorsport community.
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