This teen is gearing up to become Africa’s first Formula One driver

In its 70-year history, Formula One has had only one black driver, Lewis Hamilton. Sixteen-year-old Lewis Appiagyei has set his sights on becoming the second. “I’m going to be Africa’s first F1 driver,” he says. Of Ghanaian descent and based in the United Kingdom, this driven teenager is determined to gear up his continent’s presence in motor racing. 

“I’d like to pave the way for the racing scene in Africa, especially as there is currently a real lack of diversity in the sport,” Appiagyei says. Although he doesn’t yet have his driver’s licence, the teen is a champion go-karter. 

Appiagyei already holds several records, both in the real world and the virtual. Buckmore Park, a kart track in England, is the circuit that won Appiagyei’s heart at his seventh birthday party. He defends go-kart records there in the Junior and Adult divisions. At 11 years old, Appiagyei also broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest lap set on the PlayStation 3 game Gran Turismo. As bold in his desires as he is behind the wheel, this young speedster wants to see a new era in the sport he loves.

Appiagyei understands the cost of seeing dreams come to fruition. Cars, maintenance, teams of engineers, and transportation to the world’s F1 circuits is expensive. The pursuit of the podium has always been reserved for the wealthy, restricting access to those with deep pockets. But that only fuels Appiagyei’s passion for victory. “I want to inspire the youth to chase their dreams, no matter their background or support they receive,” he says. The road to triumph is paved with struggle, but this teenager is opening lanes for kids like him. “As long as you believe in yourself, you can do anything,” Appiagyei says.