Hamilton tells Rossi: MotoGP ‘more hardcore’ than F1

Lewis Hamilton has told Valentino Rossi that Formula 1 drivers watch MotoGP riders “in complete shock” because of the “fear factor”.

James Dielhenn

02 Apr 2022

The motorsport legends came together for a joint interview having famously swapped their rides in 2019 for a fascinating few laps where Hamilton rode a Yamaha and Rossi drove a Mercedes.

“I think MotoGP is more hardcore,” Hamilton admitted. “These guys don’t have seatbelts.

“When they have a crash, it is big. It is hard for them to improve safety.

“The fear factor for them is always there, and has been there for years.

“Our sport is getting safer and safer.

“We watch [MotoGP] in complete shock. It is nerve-wracking.”

Hamilton and Rossi are each seven-time world champions in their disciplines. Rossi, 42, retired from MotoGP at the end of last season.

While MotoGP continues into its third round of 2022 in Argentina this weekend, Rossi will be racing on four wheels at the 3 Hours of Imola race for GT World Challenge Europe.

“I am excited for a new adventure, racing with a car,” Rossi said. “It is the second chapter of my career.”

Hamilton asked: “When are you coming to Formula 1?”

Rossi: “Unfortunately I am too old!”

Valentino Rossi, Valencia MotoGP. 14 November 2021. Image courtesy of MotoGP.com — Valentino Rossi, Valencia MotoGP. 14 November 2021. Image courtesy of…

Hamilton explained: “I have always loved bikes. When I was younger I wanted to race bikes, not cars.

“But my dad wouldn’t let me race bikes - he said they were too dangerous!

“He got me into four wheels rather than two.

“It was the right choice because if I was racing during the time Vale was there, I wouldn’t have been so successful.

“Since I have been in Formula 1, I have a super-bike and I like to do some track days. It is fascinating. It gives a different perspective.”

Rossi said: “All the MotoGP riders love Formula 1, and the Formula 1 drivers love MotoGP. The two sports are at the top of motorsport and are very connected.

“To drive a car or to ride a motorcycle? It is different but also the same. The lines are similar, and the braking. You have to be fast.

“If you can drive a car, you can also ride a bike, and the opposite.”

Hamilton: “Our skill is to adapt. On a bike you see lines that you wouldn’t normally take in a car. The braking is different but the goal is to get through as quickly as possible. We adapt - that is what we do best. It is second nature.

“I have been in a fighter jet and even that felt natural!”

Rossi said about taking to the skies: “I am very scared but I want to try.”

Hamilton told him: “The perception of your speed is different. You are faster but it doesn’t feel as fast as a bike on the ground.

“In a plane, I blacked out. It was 8Gs and I didn’t have a G-suit on.”

Rossi said: “Speed is exciting. It is something you get used to.

“The first time you try MotoGP you think it is impossible but you improve. Your brain reacts. It is a great feeling.

“You are doing something very dangerous but with the feeling that, more or less, everything is under control.”