Hamilton urges FIA and F1 to tackle ‘ridiculous’ karting costs

Hamilton says motorsport entry costs are blocking talent

Lewis Hamilton has urged the FIA and Formula 1 to take stronger action to make motorsport more accessible, warning that the rising cost of karting is pushing the sport in the “wrong direction”.

Hamilton described the current situation as “ridiculous”, arguing that the structure of the sport now risks rewarding funding as much as ability. He said: “There needs to be some way to make it accessible, and it is ridiculous.”

Verstappen and Ocon echo concerns over karting prices

Max Verstappen also highlighted the scale of the issue, saying karting costs are now “going through the roof”. The four-time world champion said some families are paying 10,000 to 12,000 for a round in minis, calling those prices “insane”.

Verstappen, who runs a hybrid esports and real-life racing team aimed at developing young talent, believes simulators could offer a more cost-effective route for preparation. His view is that young drivers can use increasingly accurate simulator technology to arrive better prepared before stepping into formula cars.

That emphasis on development pathways also fits into the wider conversation around young-driver progression in F1, where emerging talents face intense pressure once they reach the top level, as seen in Isack Hadjar’s comments on the challenge of working alongside Verstappen at Red Bull.

Esteban Ocon offered an equally stark assessment. The Haas driver, whose working-class parents sold the family home to support his career, said he would not be in Formula 1 if he had to restart in today’s karting economy. He suggested a model of “70% simulator and 30% real go-kart driving” could help, but stressed that young drivers still need affordable access to real track time.

FIA begins cost-cutting response

The FIA has already taken an initial step through its three-year Global Karting Plan, designed to create alternative pathways and lower the cost of entry.

As part of that push, it organised an Arrive and Drive World Cup in Malaysia using standardised karts for talent across Asia, while also establishing a Karting Excellence Centre to provide education and support for standout young drivers.

For Hamilton, however, the responsibility remains clear: meaningful change must come from the FIA and Formula 1 if motorsport is to avoid becoming a pathway reserved primarily for the privileged.