Meet the world’s first deaf Formula One driver

The world’s first deaf Formula One driver is a British teen and despite being unable to hear, he wants everyone to know about him.

The South Wales native, who lost his hearing at the age of two, has learned to feel the car rather than hear it, according to interesting engineering,

As a child, Caleb McDuff experienced frequent ear infections. But due to cochlear implant he can now hear at a moderate level.

Caleb’s parents were told not to allow their child to play contact sports such as rugby and football after he received a cochlear implant. Ian, his father, began exploring other sports that might interest his son.

Canadian deaf racer Chris Martin served as an inspiration for Ian. Caleb was five years old when Ian gave him a go-kart for Christmas and began helping him with his new interest, which Ian had also been involved in for a long time.

“Up until last year, Caleb wasn’t able to wear his cochlear implants comfortably under his helmet, which meant taking them out and driving in complete silence. However, he said the challenge has made him the driver he is today,” the BBC reports.

“I think it helped me focus more on what’s ahead rather than the sound around me,” Caleb said. I feel like ‘that’s just me.’