051. The F1 Racing Prodigy: "Lewis Hamilton Was Right - Only Rich Kids Make It Now"!
Mon Feb 02 2026
Zac Stimpson is 15 years old. He's a 2x national karting champion in the UAE. He's fast enough to race in Formula 4 right now - but he's not. And it's not because of talent.
Lewis Hamilton once said: "There are only wealthy kids coming through in motorsport... I'll be the last of my generation." He was right.
In 2026, it costs $200,000-$300,000 for ONE SEASON of Formula 4—the first step from karting to F1. Most families spend over $1 MILLION just to get their kid to the potential of reaching Formula One.
Zac's competitors from karting? They're already racing in F4. Not because they're faster. Because they can afford it.
His mum is a teacher. His dad is between jobs. And Zac's dream is on hold.
In this episode, Zac shares:
- What it feels like watching your competitors live your dream
- The real cost breakdown of junior motorsport ($365K/year)
- Why Formula 1 is "dying at its roots"
- How he stays motivated despite the impossible barriers
- His encounters with Lando Norris and what keeps him going
"I felt like I should be there competing with them. I just wanted to go and have lunch and not watch the races at all, because it was quite upsetting to see them go around without you."
This isn't just Zac's story - it's the story of how motorsport has become a sport for the rich and elite only.
Someone watching this could be Zac's Ron Dennis (the man who discovered Lewis Hamilton at 10 years old and changed his life).
📧 Want to help? Email: zacstimpson19@yahoo.com
📱 Instagram: @zacstimpson19
🎙️ This is Decoding Wisdom
Host: Sachin (@thepodcaster)
Guest: Zac Stimpson (@zacstimpson19)
💡 If this episode made you feel something, DO SOMETHING about it. Share it. Tag someone who can help. Be part of changing this story.
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
Get in touch in the comments below or head to...
Instagram: @sachthepodcaster
Email: sachin@decodingwisdom.com
*Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.
#F1 #Formula1 #LewisHamilton #Motorsport #ZacStimpson #FormulaOne #Racing #Karting #DreamChaser #F4 #FerrariF1 #LandoNorris
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Zac Stimpson is 15 years old. He's a 2x national karting champion in the UAE. He's fast enough to race in Formula 4 right now - but he's not. And it's not because of talent. Lewis Hamilton once said: "There are only wealthy kids coming through in motorsport... I'll be the last of my generation." He was right. In 2026, it costs $200,000-$300,000 for ONE SEASON of Formula 4—the first step from karting to F1. Most families spend over $1 MILLION just to get their kid to the potential of reaching Formula One. Zac's competitors from karting? They're already racing in F4. Not because they're faster. Because they can afford it. His mum is a teacher. His dad is between jobs. And Zac's dream is on hold. In this episode, Zac shares: - What it feels like watching your competitors live your dream - The real cost breakdown of junior motorsport ($365K/year) - Why Formula 1 is "dying at its roots" - How he stays motivated despite the impossible barriers - His encounters with Lando Norris and what keeps him going "I felt like I should be there competing with them. I just wanted to go and have lunch and not watch the races at all, because it was quite upsetting to see them go around without you." This isn't just Zac's story - it's the story of how motorsport has become a sport for the rich and elite only. Someone watching this could be Zac's Ron Dennis (the man who discovered Lewis Hamilton at 10 years old and changed his life). 📧 Want to help? Email: zacstimpson19@yahoo.com 📱 Instagram: @zacstimpson19 🎙️ This is Decoding Wisdom Host: Sachin (@thepodcaster) Guest: Zac Stimpson (@zacstimpson19) 💡 If this episode made you feel something, DO SOMETHING about it. Share it. Tag someone who can help. Be part of changing this story. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: @sachthepodcaster Email: sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised. #F1 #Formula1 #LewisHamilton #Motorsport #ZacStimpson #FormulaOne #Racing #Karting #DreamChaser #F4 #FerrariF1 #LandoNorris