Historically, Lewis Hamilton was not the first black driver to enjoy an F1 car. At the end of the 80s, then Brabham owner Bernie Ecclestone offered Afro-American Willy T. Ribbs some laps in one of his cars. A winner Stateside in Formula Super VW before racing in the Indy 500, Ribbs' performance wasn't all too impressive unfortunately. But Bernie's lust for some good exposure perfectly served its purpose.
