In a landmark development for the world of motorsport, Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, is set to take on an official role within the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the sport’s governing body. This move comes after months of collaboration between Hamilton and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, focused on young driver development.
Anthony Hamilton has long been a respected figure in the paddock, known for guiding his son’s legendary career from humble karting beginnings all the way to Formula 1 stardom. Now, he’s turning his attention to shaping the future of motorsport at a grassroots level — and ensuring that the next generation of talent is protected, nurtured, and fairly represented.
His work has culminated in the FIA’s new Young Driver Development Pathway, a major initiative aimed at identifying, developing, and safeguarding young racing talent across the globe. The program is expected to be officially unveiled at the upcoming FIA Conference in Macau this June, signaling a major step forward for youth involvement in motorsport.
The pathway will not only focus on skill development and access to opportunities but will also prioritize protecting young drivers from unethical managers, agents, and exploitative contracts — an issue that has long plagued motorsport’s junior ranks. With Hamilton’s own personal experiences navigating the cutthroat world of motorsport management, his involvement lends both credibility and passion to the initiative.
“Anthony Hamilton brings firsthand experience as both a parent and a mentor to one of the sport’s greatest drivers,” said an FIA spokesperson. “His insights into the challenges that young drivers and their families face — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds — make him uniquely qualified to help shape this important initiative.”
Hamilton’s role will likely include mentoring drivers and their families, providing guidance on career decisions, and helping establish a support network that can catch and correct potential ethical pitfalls early. His inclusion also reflects a broader push by the FIA to improve transparency, integrity, and accessibility in motorsport’s development systems.
For Anthony, this new chapter is deeply personal. He famously worked multiple jobs to support Lewis’s racing dreams during the early years, at times facing financial hardship and systemic barriers. That experience gave him a front-row seat to the inequalities and risks young drivers often face, especially when they lack connections or financial backing.
The initiative also aligns with the FIA’s broader mission to expand diversity and inclusion across all levels of motorsport. By creating a structured, safe, and merit-based development path, the governing body hopes to level the playing field and help more talented drivers reach the top — regardless of background.
The program’s unveiling in Macau will be a significant moment, drawing attention from across the global racing community. And with Anthony Hamilton now playing an official role in shaping the system that nurtures future champions, it’s clear the FIA is taking serious steps to secure a more ethical and inclusive future for the sport.
The motorsport world will be watching closely as this new initiative takes shape — and with Hamilton involved, expectations are high.