Reigning F1 champ accuses spectators of underestimating danger in racing

Following the death of Formula One driver Jules Bianchi, reigning champion Lewis Hamilton has accused spectators of the sports of underestimating the danger in it.

undefined from critical head injuries sustained at last year's Japanese Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 21 with many undefined.

The Formula One world was also thrown into a scare when Sergio Perez flipped undefined in Budapest at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"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."

"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,' added Hamilton, who was in imperious form as he completed a practice double on Friday.

"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.'

Hamilton however insisted that Bianchi's tragic death has not affected his thirst for living on the edge.

"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."