Lewis Hamilton has long stood as a groundbreaking figure in Formula 1, a sport historically dominated by white drivers. As the only Black driver in the 75-year history of F1, Hamilton’s career has symbolized change and representation. His story begins in Stevenage, where as a young boy with a borrowed kart and his father’s relentless support, he pursued racing despite lacking role models who looked like him.

In a 2017 interview with Serena Williams, Hamilton acknowledged the profound influence of Tiger Woods and the Williams sisters on his journey. When asked if he had broken color barriers in racing, Hamilton responded:

“Definitely, yes. My dad and I admired watching Tiger do that in golf, and you and your sister (Venus) do that in tennis. We’re very proud that we’ve done that in motor racing… When I was karting, there was no one who looked even a little like me, who could help me see that this was something I could do. Now there are kids who see me. I’m very proud to be a part of that.”

His words highlight the ripple effect Tiger Woods’ pioneering role in golf had—not only for Hamilton’s confidence but also for a new generation of aspiring athletes of color. Throughout the late 1990s, Woods’ rapid rise challenged cultural expectations, much like Hamilton faced skepticism and hostility early in his racing career.

Parallels Between Tiger Woods’ and Lewis Hamilton’s Early Career Achievements

Both Woods and Hamilton reached elite success at a young age, rewriting sports history. Hamilton’s debut in F1 came in 2007, where he narrowly missed the championship as a rookie, finishing just a point behind Kimi Raikkonen after winning four races. He secured his first title in 2008, becoming the youngest world champion then. Tiger Woods’ ascent was similarly meteoric; winning the Masters in 1997 during his second professional year and ascending to world number one within a year.

They not only shattered records but also opened doors for greater diversity in their respective fields. Their excellence challenged assumptions and transformed the sporting landscape into one more inclusive and representative.

Lewis Hamilton’s Strategic Investment Alongside Tiger Woods in TMRW Sports

Years after drawing inspiration from Tiger Woods, Lewis Hamilton has now partnered with Woods in a business venture. Hamilton is among the limited investors in TMRW Sports, a forward-thinking sports enterprise co-founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy. This initiative seeks to transform the way sports fans engage with and experience athletics through cutting-edge technology.

TMRW’s flagship project, TGL, aims to revolutionize golf by creating immersive, technology-driven experiences. Hamilton’s involvement reflects his commitment to sports entrepreneurship and social equity, building on his existing investments, including equity in the Denver Broncos and ventures in sustainable fashion. In 2022, he shared his perspective on the importance of representation in sports ownership, stating:

“I do want to get more and more involved in teams because I really do believe in Black ownership, because there is a lack of it within sports, and Black equity. There is a real lack of that.”

His investment in TMRW goes beyond financial backing; it embodies a mission to disrupt traditional gatekeeping and create space for greater Black influence in sports.

Hamilton has also drawn connections between his journey and popular culture, recalling in a 2020 interview how the movie Cool Runnings mirrored his early experiences in F1:

“I relate a lot of my life to that movie because they arrive at the top of a hill with a rust bucket and everyone goes quiet… When we got to races I remember people looking at us like, ‘What are they doing here?’ Because it was a white-dominated sport.”

This lived experience motivates his off-track efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in sports ownership and innovation.

Collaborative Vision: A Diverse Group Trailblazing the Future of Sports

Hamilton’s investment group within TMRW includes prominent figures from Formula 1, other sports, and gaming. Fellow drivers Lando Norris, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Mark Webber join alongside athletes such as Stephen Curry, Venus Williams, Josh Allen, Trea Turner, Alex Morgan, and Sidney Crosby, as well as gaming icon Ninja. Together, this coalition aims to redefine how sports are consumed and broaden accessibility using technology.

For Hamilton, this partnership with Tiger Woods represents more than a business deal; it is a continuation of a legacy that began with Woods breaking barriers on the golf course. Now, they are jointly shaping the future of sports culture and ownership, creating new opportunities for athletes and fans alike.