LEWIS HAMILTON has called for F1 to become more accessible after branding it a ‘billionaire kids’ club.’
The 36-year-old Brit, who came from humble beginnings in Stevenage, is going for a record eighth world title this year.
But he admitted it would have been impossible for him to break into the sport had he started today.
Hamilton told AS: “For me personally, we live in a time where this has become a billionaire kids’ club.
“If I were to start over from a working-class family, it would be impossible for me to be here today.
“Because the other boys would have a lot more money.
“We have to work to change that and make this an accessible sport, for the rich and for people with a more humble origin.”
F1 has welcomed a host of hugely talented drivers in recent years including the likes of Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Lance Stroll, and Lando Norris.
When quizzed on his opinions of the latest generation of drivers, Hamilton said he was in no position to judge.
He added: “I don’t know if what I think matters much, I don’t know if I can judge if it’s a good or a bad generation.
“There are always riders who arrive, in my case I did it with Nico (Rosberg) and Kubica, Alonso was just before, the Schumacher era… there will always be an era.”
Hamilton will overtake Michael Schumacher by becoming the most successful driver of all-time if he lands the driver’s championship this season.
The Mercedes driver currently sits top, 14 points above Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.
Hamilton is adamant that his career numbers remain his second priority behind improving diversity in F1.
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He added: “I would not change anything. I know who I am, where I come from and what I am capable of.
“I have no idea if I am going to win it, although I work to achieve it, but it certainly will not change anything important in my life.
“The numbers are not what worries me the most. I worry about what I am. Last year there was three percent diversity in this team, this year it will be close to five percent and that for me is gigantic, and I am passionate about it.”
