Hamilton expresses pride at being F1's first 'black driver'

British former Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has reportedly expressed his pride at being the motor sport's first black driver and feels that his achievements have helped him to 'knock down a barrier' for young people.

Hamilton said that when he first started in Formula One, he tried to ignore the fact he was the first black guy ever to race in the sport, but, as he has grown older, he has really started to appreciate the implications.

According to the Mirror, the Mercedes driver said that it feels pretty cool to be the person to knock down a barrier, just like the Venus and Serena Williams did in tennis or Tiger Woods in golf.

Hamilton said that he gets kids from all different cultures and nationalities coming up to him now, all wanting to be Formula One drivers, adding that they feel the sport is open to everyone.

Hamilton heads into the Monaco Grand Prix in excellent form and currently tops the drivers' standings ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg after winning the last four races, the report added.