Lewis Hamilton says 'people underestimate the danger of our sport'

The tragic passing of 25-year-old Jules Bianchi following brain injuries he sustained at last year’s Japanese Grand Prix has led to the topic of safety again being brought up in conversation around the sport.

Hamilton believes that Formula One remains very dangerous and has argued that wider perceptions are largely wrong.

“People watching generally underestimate the danger of our sport,” Hamilton said.

“They are like, ‘Oh, there hasn't been anything dangerous for 20 years, so it is not really dangerous - all you guys do is sit there’.

“But actually, when we are out there, we are driving this thing and it is b***** fast.

“One slip up and we are in the wall and it hurts.”

Hamilton is bidding for a record fifth victory in Hungary and his points were reinforced after Sergio Perez escaped a terrifying crash in the opening practice session at the Hungaroring.

“It is there in our mind always, in terms of we are fully accepting and aware that when we are getting in the car there are dangers involved," Hamilton added.

“We don't get in the car like we are Hollywood movie stars. That is why we train the way we do, focus the way we do, and I think that view is missed from the people watching TV, and I think they don't appreciate it.

“Whatever it is I do - even if it is not cars - I do dangerous things, because dangerous things are generally more exciting and where the thrills comes from.

“It is why people love going on rollercoaster rides because there is a danger factor. I don't think you will ever be able to take that away from racing, and if they did, I wonder if it would have the same excitement.”