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British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton may be having a strong 2026 World Championship, especially after coming second in last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, but he’s finding himself at the heart of a heated debate.
Do celebrities just say the right thing and then do the opposite, thereby highlighting how out of touch they truly are?
A three-year-old interview has resurfaced online, which has prompted fresh conversation about society’s wealth gap, inequality, and for some, tone-deaf hypocrisy.
“One of the things that I struggle with every day, and it’s just how life is – it’s been that way for thousands of years – that there is such a disparity between the wealthy and the poor”, the seven-time F1 world champion told Jay Shetty on his ‘On Purpose’ podcast in 2023.
“When you drive around LA there’s still so many people living on the streets. You shouldn’t be able to have billions”, the driver noted. “I think there should be a limit to how much you can have because there’s enough to go around for everyone.”
The clip has been widely shared over social media, with users contrasting the comments with Hamilton’s own fortune. His net worth is thought to be roughly $581 million.
Not helping is the fact that Hamilton is currently dating Kim Kardashian, who was present in Monaco last Sunday. The couple were seen kissing and celebrating together, with Hamilton praising her presence as “amazing”.
However, Kardashian had already rubbed fans up the wrong way for her behaviour in Monaco. She was approached by Sky Sports F1 reporter Martin Bundle, who attempted to speak to her before the race. She snubbed him, leading fans to question her tact.
“Kim Kardashian is not too good to talk to Martin Brundle. What a complete lack of class,” wrote one X user.
According to Celebrity Net Worth estimates, Kardashian’s fortune stands at around $2 billion, making her one of the wealthiest celebrities in the world.
Coupled with Hamilton’s resurfaced interview, fans reacted strongly, with many questioning his credibility on matters of wealth and inequality.
While the driver does have his own charity – Mission 44, aimed at “driving change so that every young person can thrive in school” – some have called him out for being a hypocrite given his and Kardashian’s combined net worth. Others were quick to point out his Monaco residency…
“Dude is worth $500m+ and lives in Monaco to avoid ever paying a penny in tax,” wrote one user. Another said: “Be the change you want to see and give all of the boundless excess of cash you and your girlfriend have away and we’ll go next.”
“He’s dating a woman who lives in LA and is worth $2 billion. He is worth $500 million. He has zero awareness of how out of touch he sounds,” said another, while one added: “He’s literally dating who he’s talking about.”
Check out some of the reactions below:
“Preaching there’s enough to go around for everyone while living this lavishly rings hollow,” wrote one X user. “Wealth is fine, just spare us the lectures.”
Formula 1 Round 7 Barcelona-Catalunya takes place on 14 June.