BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - NOVEMBER 29: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on from the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mario Renzi - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
F1 black drivers: F1 is a sport dominated by the whites – have you wondered how many black drivers have managed to compete in F1 in the sport’s history?
You would be surprised to know that in the 72-year-long history of the F1 World Championship, only one ‘black driver’ has competed at the highest level. No mark for guessing, that one black driver happens to be the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. British driver Hamilton is an iconic and inspirational figure for the black community, especially those who aspire to make it to Formula One.
F1 is one of the biggest sporting competitions in the world but a lot of fans have been searching about ‘F1 black drivers’ ever since Lewis Hamilton broke onto the scene.
There have been close to 800 Formula One drivers from over 40 different nationalities who have raced at least once in FIA World Championship races since the 1950 British Grand Prix – but there has just been ONE black driver.
One of the chief reasons could be that F1 racing is extremely expensive and not many get early exposure to the system, so it’s tough for people from minority communities to afford the gear, training and coaching required.
Moreover, the majority of the drivers come from wealthy families who can afford the inherent costs of being a professional racer. Hence, the opportunities are very limited as most of the F1 seats are already taken by the wealthier population.
British racer Lewis Hamilton is the first and only Black driver in Formula One. Over the years, he has become an inspirational figure both on and off the track. He’s become a major advocate for diversity in his sport. In 2020, he put together a commission to explore why ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in Formula One.
Hamilton has recently been listed as a Black History Month hero for his sporting achievements, along with his attempts to promote racial equality. Hamilton has ways been vocal about social causes during his remarkable career, with his efforts including supporting LGBTQ+ rights by wearing a flag on his helmet, as well as encouraging other drivers to take a knee ahead of races.
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