Hamilton: Underprivileged Talents Are Getting Leapfrogged By Wealthy Families For Formula 1 Spots

Lewis Hamilton claims it has become much harder for the drivers from working-class backgrounds to get into Formula 1 than it was in the past.

He was speaking on the Graham Norton show, saying the prospects for the drivers that do not come from affluent backgrounds have become worse since he came into the sport.

He claimed his father spent about 20,000 pounds and remortgaged the house several times in the first few years, but at present, it is much more expensive to break into the sport.

He had a friend who was nearly in Formula 1 when he got leapfrogged by a wealthy driver, and his chance was lost. So he wants to get it back to the basics.

Hamilton’s family funded his career in Karting until he snatched the attention of former McLaren boss, Ron Dennis.

He says there were times in his younger years when he would come home from school, and he would be ready to race, but his father said they did not have the money that weekend. The hope was they would get something by the next race to keep his career going.

He said his father had four jobs, so that would allow him to fuel the vehicle and buy new tires.

Hamilton names his father as the main hero of his career despite the fact he is the one in the spotlight.

He added that if his dad had not done the work and if he did not get signed by the time he was 13 years old, then Hamilton would not be where he is at present.

Hamilton has been quoted as being the second most successful Formula 1 driver of all time considering 83 Grand Prix wins and six world championships to his name.

The Mercedes Formula one flagship made his debut into the sport in 2007 and is at the top of his game.

He insisted that he wants to get involved in the process and work with the FIA on the policies for entry. He reiterated they could do more to give back, and it does not need to be as expensive as it is to join the sport as a driver.

Formula 1 drivers have had to cater to their drives during the early stages, which meant hefty entry fees currently for testing and qualification with the different teams.

He used the examples of tennis and football as they can be started at the grassroots where a player excels at the top based on the merit of their skills.