via Getty
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 05: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on December 05, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
via Getty
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 05: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on December 05, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
With Formula 1 being the pinnacle form of motorsport, things can be quite exclusive here, as shared by Lewis Hamilton himself. One cannot simply become an F1 driver unless they belong to the “billionaire boy’s club” because it not only requires huge talent but also a wealthy background. Ralf Schumacher further explains.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Talking to motorsport-total.com, the brother of Michael Schumacher shared in a report that one needs around $12.5 million to 14.5 million dollars to get on the F1 grid. Given that the man comes from a family of racing drivers, the German surely knows what he is talking about.
Ralf Schumacher further stated, “In international karting, with a professional team with all the races, you’re good and happy with a quarter of a million a year. A mere mortal can’t even afford the small classes. That’s almost impossible.”
READ MORE: Multimillionaire Lewis Hamilton Splurges on Insane Super Bikes Featuring in His High-Speed Garage
It seems like anyone who wishes to make it to Formula 1 needs to cash out way more than most people can afford. Hence, it is simply not easy for people who do not come from wealthy backgrounds to be a part of the sport.
Lewis Hamilton calls F1 the billionaire boy’s club
The Mercedes AMG F1 driver called the sport a billionaire boy’s club last year. The comments from the Silver Arrows ace came during the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race REUTERS/Eric Gaillard REFILE – CORRECTING ID
Talking to AS, Lewis Hamilton conveyed on billionaire row, “For me personally, we live in a time when this has become a billionaire boys’ club.” [Translated using Google]
“If I had to start over from a working class family, it would be impossible for me to be here today. Because the other guys would have so much more money.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton Jumps Off a Plane Amidst His Mental Health Woes
To go with Hamilton’s words and check the background of current F1 drivers, a lot of them come from wealthy backgrounds. All in all, F1 has proven to be an extremely expensive and exclusive sport.
