Although he’s become one of the biggest names in F1 history, Lewis Hamilton doesn’t believe he would be able to make it into the sport if he tried to do so now.
The Brit has become synonymous with success, having won a joint-record seven drivers’ titles, along with the most wins and podium finishes. However Hamilton has never been shy about his humble beginnings, as father Anthony had to work several jobs to fund his career before being signed by McLaren and Mercedes at 13.
Hamilton made his way through the junior ranks thanks to the funding received by both parties, but the Brit doesn’t think F1 would be accessible to him if he chose to pursue a career at this time.
“Growing up in a normal working class family, there is no way I could be here – the guys you are fighting against have that much more money,” Hamilton told Spain’s AS newspaper.
“We have to work to change that to make it more accessible, for the rich and for people with more humble origins.”
The likes of Lance Stroll, Nicholas Latifi and Nikita Mazepin all have billionaire fathers, while Max Verstappen and Mick Schumacher are the sons of former F1 drivers.
