Lewis Hamilton – F1’s first black driver

Nov 25, 2006 Formula One

Briton Lewis Hamilton will race for McLaren next year alongside double world champion Fernando Alonso as Formula One’s first black driver.

“It’s a dream come true,” said the 21-year-old, whose paternal grandparents came from the West Indies, in a McLaren statement on Friday.

“To be racing in Formula One with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me.”

Backed by McLaren for a decade, Hamilton showed dazzling speed and maturity beyond his years in winning at the first attempt this year’s GP2 championship that acts as a feeder series to Formula One.