Hamilton: Young people need time

The exchange of seats between Max Verstappen and Daniil Kvyat was at the center of the debates yesterday during the traditional drivers' press conference. Asked about the decision to Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton spoke on the subject.

“It’s a good opportunity for one and quite unfortunate for the other, comments the pilot Mercedes. Red Bull is doing a lot to bring in young talent but they must be aware that young people need time to progress.

Mistakes can happen, there is so much pressure on drivers, especially at a young age. Especially when you don't have many years in the lower categories, you arrive very early, there is so much to learn. There's a lot of pressure on your shoulders, I think, when you take a driver from a team where he's comfortable and move him to another team. It's a difficult position. »

The old pilot McLaren also looked back on his own experience, when he joined the Woking team at the age of 22 in 2007. “For me it worked perfectly to go to a big team, but I did it with a lot more years in the lower categories than other drivers, I was a few years older than the two in front of me (Max Verstappen and Daniil KVyat, also present at the press conference, Editor's note). I think it's really important not to be a hindrance for a young driver.

They will grow at their own pace and some will take longer than others. Some are really quick to learn and some take longer, they need to make more mistakes. I remember my first days in the car and going off the track.

It was really difficult, but the team can make a big difference in how they help but I'm hopeful for Daniil. We have two fantastic drivers here. I hope this won’t hamper their careers because they have a bright future ahead of them. »