Lewis Hamilton does not believe Formula 1 is the 'most hardcore' form of racing

Lewis Hamilton believes that MotoGP is a ‘more hardcore’ form of motorsport than Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion has been in F1 since 2007, and battled for the championship last season with Max Verstappen in one of the most intense title fights the series has produced in its seven-decade history.

Hamilton is one of the very best F1 drivers of all time, and has won more races and taken more pole positions than any other, while equalling Michael Schumacher’s record seven world championships.

Despite his success in a series which is considered the pinnacle of motorsport, Hamilton believes that the intensity and danger of motorcycle riding renders it fundamentally more ‘hardcore.’

‘[Valentino] spoke about Formula 1 drivers admiring MotoGP and Moto GP riders admiring F1… For us, I personally think that MotoGP is more hardcore – these guys don’t have seatbelts!’, Hamilton said in a joint appearance with nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi at event promoting watch brand IWC Schaffhausen.

‘When they have a crash, it’s big. It’s very, very difficult for them to improve safety, so that fear factor is always there and it’s been there for years. Maybe there’s a bit of traction control and lift control but, generally, you can be thrown off. In [F1], it’s getting safer and safer and safer.”

Had Hamilton’s father Anthony not been fearful about the safety of motorcycle riding, Hamilton may even have ended up in MotoGP himself, with the Stevenage-born driver having a preference for bikes in his youth.

‘I’ve always loved bikes,’ Hamilton added. ‘When I was younger, I actually really wanted to ride bikes more than cars! My dad didn’t want me to ride bikes. He said they’re too dangerous! So he got me four wheels instead