Was Lewis Hamilton the First Black F1 Driver in History?

We are all aware that only whites have remained the dominant species throughout the 72-year-long and glorious history of Formula 1. However, only one ‘black driver’ has produced a magnanimous aura among several drivers, like Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel, Ayrton Senna, and other F1 legends. There’s no need to think even for a millisecond that whom we are talking about, to provide you a hint, he’s the most powerful voice of Formula 1 and the greatest to have competed in a cutthroat competition like Formula1, the great Sir Lewis Hamilton!

In the 1081 FIA World Championship races that have taken place since the inception of the Formula 1 era in the 1950s, nearly 800 drivers representing 41 different nations have competed. After having a glance at such a significant history before him, we wonder if Hamilton was the first “black” driver to have competed at the top level of motorsports. So, the answer is yes to that!

Nonetheless, if we take a look at a phase before the racing, we might see that Willy T. Ribbs was the first black driver to test an F1 car. He did so for Bernie Ecclestone’s team, Brabham, back in 1986. However, we must keep in mind that he merely tested the car and hasn’t competed at the highest level of motorsports. This leaves only Lewis Hamilton to battle for a place in Formula 1.

The ‘Battles’ to reach the ‘Heights’

With McLaren, one of the oldest active teams, Lewis Hamilton made his racing debut back in 2007. The young man, who had experienced racism in school, quickly surpassed his idol, Brazilian racer Ayrton Senna, to become the youngest Formula 1 driver in history.

However, the Stevenage boy’s route to the championship trophy wasn’t a straightforward one. The Mercedes driver, who received a kart from his father at the age of eight, continued to experience discrimination everywhere, including at car racing events and schools. At the beginning of this year, Hamilton discussed how he experienced traumatic racist abuse at the school while recalling his school days. Hamilton told the ‘On Purpose podcast,‘ “School was the most traumatising and most difficult part of my life. I was already being bullied at the age of six. At that particular school I was one of three kids of colour and just bigger, stronger. Bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time.”

Later he added, “ The constant jabs, the things that are either thrown at you, like bananas or people that would use the N-word just so relaxed. People calling you half-caste and not knowing where you fit in. That was difficult. In my [secondary] school, there were six or seven black kids out of 1,200 kids and three of us were put outside the headmasters’ office all the time. The headmaster just had it out for us–and particularly me. I felt the system was up against me and I was swimming against the tide.”

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These injustices and discrimination strengthened Lewis Hamilton’s fortitude. He overcame them to become a powerful advocate who never shied away from speaking up and taking the necessary steps to fight these social ills. Who could ever forget his stance at the “Black Lives Matter” demonstration? He often made a one-knee bowed gesture in support of an authorized antiracism campaign. In addition, he showed his support for Breonna Taylor by donning a black T-shirt at Tuscan GP. Furthermore, he took part in the social media English sports boycott last year. It was aimed at putting pressure on online platforms to address racism, harassment, and discrimination.

The Mercedes champion has established himself as an inspirational character on and off the racetrack over the years. He has emerged as a powerful proponent of diversity in his sport and a change-maker.

What else is Lewis Hamilton doing to bring a change?

The seven-time winner launched Ignite, a collaboration with his Mercedes team, to encourage diversity and inclusion in the motorsport industry. Also, Mission 44, an organization that seeks to better the lives of people from under-represented groups.

Hamilton highlighted the challenges faced by those who do not come from privileged backgrounds in an interview with Sky Sports last year. He said, “Supporting the ambitions of underrepresented young people has always been important to me. And Mission 44 represents my commitment to create real change within this community.” 

He added how his ‘Mission 44’ might help the people to get a prosperous future. He said, “In my early life, I experienced first-hand how coming from an underrepresented background can affect your future. But luckily for me, I was able to overcome those odds through opportunity and support. I want to ensure that other young people from similar backgrounds are able to do the same.”

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With 16 years of professional experience, Lewis Hamilton has seen only one segment of society dominate motorsport. But recently, Hamilton has also taken action to promote diversity. As seen by his promotion of the first black woman to hold a podium position to the role of deputy team boss for his Extreme E squad, X44. Having said that, do you think Hamilton’s efforts will persuade more black drivers to enter the top level of motorsport?