shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > I felt conflicted to race in a poor country like India says Hamilton

I felt conflicted to race in a poor country like India, says Hamilton

Updated on: 16 November,2018 11:18 AM IST  |  London
AFP |

The high-profile Formula 1 race was eventually dropped after three editions due to taxation issues and financial troubles of promoter Jaypee Group

I felt conflicted to race in a poor country like India, says Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton

Five-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton felt "conflicted" to race in a "poor" country like India and said that the huge amount of money could have been spent on building homes and schools rather than a Formula One track. Hamilton questioned the strategy of taking Formula One to places like India, Korea and Turkey where the sport did not survive for long. Vietnam is another country which doesn't have rich motorsport history but will be hosting a Formula One race in 2020.


"We've got a lot of real racing history in England, Germany, Italy and now in the United States, it is starting to grow. But you only have one event per year in those places. If it was my business, I'd be trying to do more events in those countries," Hamilton told BBC. "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful. I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix.


"We had a grand prix in Turkey and hardly anyone came. Cool track, cool weekend but poor audience," said the Briton, who secured his fifth title in Mexico last month. His comment on India did not go down well with some of his fans and he took to social media to justify what he said. "Hey everyone, I noticed some people are upset with my comment on India. First off, India is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The culture there is incredible. I have visited and always had an amazing time however whilst it's the fastest growing economy it also has a lot of poverty," he wrote on Twitter. "My reference was that a Grand Prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in an huge area where money was not an issue. They spent hundreds of millions on that track now that is never used.


"That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need. When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However, I have met some amazing Indian fans," Hamilton concluded. Indian Grand Prix was staged from 2011 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel winning all three races for Red Bull at the Buddh International Circuit. The inaugural edition saw close to 90,000 people attending the Grand Prix before the number fell to 65,000 the following year. The high-profile race was eventually dropped after three editions due to taxation issues and financial troubles of promoter Jaypee Group.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK