Lewis Hamilton says Formula 1 has become a 'Billionaire Boys Club'

Lewis Hamilton says his journey from working-class kid to Formula 1 star would be impossible today. This is because he sees the sport has become a “billionaire boys’ club”.

Hamilton, who is looking for an eighth world championship this year, grew up on a UK council estate in Stevenage. His father, Anthony, worked several jobs to fund Hamilton’s junior career. This was before Lewis was eventually signed by McLaren, who gave him his F1 start in 2007.

“We are living in a time that this is really a billionaire boys’ club. If I go back to where I started, growing up in a normal working class family, there’s no way I could be here. No way. All the guys that you’re fighting against just have that much more money,” said Hamilton.

YOUNG DRIVER PROGRAMME

Hamilton was recruited by McLaren’s now-legendary Young Driver Programme aged 13. The programme funded the rest of his journey into Formula 1. Other drivers who came through the same programme include Kevin Magnussen, Alex Albon and current McLaren driver Lando Norris.

Of the sport’s 20 current drivers, three – Lance Stroll, Nicholas Latifi, and Nikita Mazepin – are sons of billionaires. Max Verstappen and Mick Schumacher are also both sons of former F1 drivers.

THE HAMILTON COMMISSION

In June 2020, he announced the launch of The Hamilton Commission, a research partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering. This was aimed at providing more young Black people with a route into motorsport through subjects such as science, mathematics, and technology.

“I think for the future we’ve got to work to change that,” Hamilton said ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

This weekends going to be tough! Monaco always is. But we’re here, head down and as best prepared as we can be. pic.twitter.com/zwIL9EvUeQ

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 19, 2021

Lewis Hamilton leads this season’s Driver’s Championship having won three of the four Grands Prix so far. However, he says the work of the commission is currently his number one priority.