eModelli - ModBlog

I am still trying to get over the fact that the winningest Formula 1 driver of all time, Michael Schumacher, has retired and will not be returning to F1 in 2007. Michael elevated Formula 1 to new heights during his 16 year career. He made his team better and he made the other drivers better by continually pushing the limits of his car, his competitors and the tracks he raced on. The retirement of Michael Schumacher left me and thousands of his fans searching for a new driver to root for in 2007.
Then out of the blue, the Mclaren F1 team announced Lewis Hamilton as their second driver who will race along side of Fernando Alonso. Lewis Hamilton is a 21 year old, up and coming driver who dominated the GP2 racing series in 2006. Furthermore and more exciting to me is that he will become the first black driver to race in Formula 1.
I think that Hamilton can do for F1 what NASCAR is expecting Juan Montoya to do, which is increase the fan base and overall worldwide appeal of the sport. I have renewed excitement for F1 and I am lining up my tickets for next season.

More on this story.

iTV - F1
Hamilton hopes for positive impact

Washington Post
Hamilton to be F1's first black driver

SpeedTV.com
F1: McLaren Confirms Hamilton for '07 Race Seat