Hamilton criticizes “real lack of social diversity” in motorsport

As an ambassador of his sport, Lewis Hamilton is known for sometimes speaking on themes rarely addressed in the world of motor racing, such as diversity or self-acceptance.

The six-time world champion Formula 1 reacted to the subject of minorities present or not in motorsport during an interview with the Italian magazine Style Magazine. According to him, it is very simple, F1 closes around the wealthiest social classes, the rich are entitled to the luxury of riding on circuits unlike the poor. 

“The truth is that it was incredibly difficult for me to break into this industry, he explains, referring to his modest origins. I would like to say that the situation has improved today, but I believe it has become even worse than before. 

Motorsport is so expensive that the working class and categories receiving low incomes are excluded from the start. »

The representation of these social classes being close to zero, Lewis Hamilton fears that the families of those left behind will not be interested in this sport. “There’s a saying in Britain that goes, ‘You can’t be in it if you don’t see yourself in it. »

Kids need to see victorious people who look like them so they can tell themselves that their dreams are doable. Unfortunately, in F1 these days there is a real lack of diversity: not just among drivers, but also among mechanics and engineers. 

If we don't make efforts to create pathways to give a chance to those who come from different personal backgrounds, we will all be guilty. »