Lewis Hamilton says his journey from working class to Method One famous person can be inconceivable right this moment as the game has develop into a “billionaire boys membership”.

Hamilton, who’s searching for an eighth world championship this yr, famously grew up on a UK council property in Stevenage. His father Anthony labored a number of jobs to fund Hamilton’s junior profession earlier than he was finally signed by McLaren, who gave him his F1 begin in 2007.

Hamilton says the best way the game has modified within the years since means the same story is inconceivable.

“We dwell in a time the place this sport has develop into a billionaire boys’ membership,” Hamilton informed Spanish publication AS.

“If I had been to begin over from a working-class household, it could be inconceivable for me to be right here right this moment as a result of the opposite boys would have much more cash.

“We now have to work to vary that and make this an accessible sport, for the wealthy and for individuals with extra humble origins.”

Three of F1’s present drivers – Lance Stroll, Nicholas Latifi and Nikita Mazepin – are the sons of billionaires whereas one other two – Hamilton’s 2021 title rival Max Verstappen and Mick Schumacher – are the sons of former F1 drivers.

Hamilton has develop into a vocal advocate for range in Method One. Final yr he arrange a fee to take a look at why ethnic minorities are under-represented within the sport.