Hamilton says he misses grass and gravel at F1 circuits

Lewis Hamilton says he misses Formula 1 circuits with fewer run-off areas and more grass and gravel. He described the spread of paved escape areas during his career as a change he personally dislikes.

Asked how the physical demands of F1 had changed during his career, Hamilton said his first season was difficult as his body adapted. He called 2020 the most physically challenging period, when the cars were at their fastest and had the most downforce.

At the Circuit of the Americas, which joined the F1 calendar in 2012, Hamilton lost control at high speed at Turn 19 in 2024. He crossed the tarmac run-off before reaching gravel.

Paved run-off gives drivers room to recover from a small mistake; grass or gravel can damage a car. At venues that host several series, such as Austin, tailoring track limits to each series can also be costly and time-consuming.