Is Rihanna the new lady in ace racer Lewis Hamilton's life?

R&B star Rihanna and Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton are reportedly dating, after the two were seen enjoying series of secret dates.

The pair came closer at the Met Gala in New York earlier this year, after Hamilton split from Nicole Scherzinger, and went on to spend time with Rihanna at the after party, reported Daily Mirror.

"They've had a flirtation for years and have always fancied each other, but since May this year they've been talking a lot. Finally their schedules allowed them to spend a weekend in the same part of the world and they made the most of it. They are both really busy but Rihanna has asked him to come to Rock in Rio in September so he can see her perform and spend time together," the source said.

According to an insider close to Hamilton, 30, the F1 ace finds the 27-year-old singer "sexy" and funny".

"He is a bit infatuated with her and thinks she is not only sexy but incredibly funny, although he knows she has a reputation as a heartbreaker."