World champion Lewis Hamilton says he would like part of his legacy to be increasing diversity in Formula 1.
Hamilton grew up on a council estate and is F1’s first black driver and says he “wants to pave the way for drivers from a similar background to myself”.
He said he hoped to get involved in reducing costs in junior motorsport and in increasing the sport’s social and racial mix.
“I want to have people say I was a part of shifting that,” Hamilton said.
“That means getting involved in go-karting. It is so expensive in go-karts now.
“My dad told me he spent £20,000 in the first year I raced but today to do a professional season of go-karts is $200,000-300,000. I want to be a part of shifting that.
“Also to shift the diversity because there is the most minimal diversity and I want to be a part of changing that working with F1 and [governing body] the FIA.
“I don’t know why there aren’t more mechanics or engineers, or even [people] in the media, coming through with more diversity.”
Hamilton, speaking in a news conference before this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, also talked about his improving relationship with his father, Anthony.
Hamilton’s father was his manager from the start of his career until their professional relationship ended over a dispute in the early years of this decade. They had a difficult time for a while but have grown close again in recent years.
Hamilton said: “The relationship’s fantastic now. It wasn’t always great but that happens in families.
“I had my first Christmas with my whole family this year. There has been massive growth in the family and between me and my dad.
“We were out partying until the early hours for his birthday in London the other day. Sometimes it just takes time to grow and come back in relationships.
“As you get older, you realise how precious time is. I have friends who don’t have their dads any more or who didn’t speak to them in 20-30 years and I don’t want that to happen.
“My dad is the greatest man I know and someone I aspire to be like and I want him to be around a long time and that is why I am pushing him to go in the gym.”
Hamilton, who is leading the championship by 17 points heading into the weekend, said he believed Ferrari would pose a tougher challenge in Montreal this weekend.
Mercedes have won all six races so far this year, with Hamilton taking four victories and team-mate Valtteri Bottas two.
But the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s long straights could boost Ferrari, who have the most powerful engine and a car with less downforce and drag than the Mercedes.
“I expect Ferrari will be really strong this weekend with the long straight so I am excited about that fight,” Hamilton said.
