By Sade Spence (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jul 28, 2015 02:57 PM EDT

After a long line of seriously hot beaus, there is always some anticipation over the next man who vies for the chance to bask in the attention of notorious bad gal Rihanna. According to a number of celebrity sources, it appears that Lewis Hamilton is up to the challenge -- as a Formula One ace, he should be able to keep up! 

The two have been spotted out and about in New York City, leaving the Da Silvano restaurant and hitting up the 1OAK nightclub together.

The hot rod driver and the "B***h Better Have My Money" singer have been going out on a series of "secret dates" after taking a liking to each other at the annual 2015 Met Gala in NYC, according to The Sun, via OK! Magazine.

Remember how RiRi slayed the Met Gala red carpet in a piece that took years to design? No wonder Hamilton seems to be smitten in her presence. The publication also reports that the racer is enamored by not only the Barbadian star's looks but also sense of humor.  

It is said that the couple has known each other for years, but it was not until this May when things started heating up. Also, there is a speculation that Rihanna has asked Hamilton to attend the Rock In Rio festival to watch her perform and spend some quality time together.

The publication insists that Hamilton is aware of RiRi's reputation for breaking hearts. Most recently, the "Diamonds" hitmaker has been rumored to be dating actor Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as rapper Drake.

Prior to dating Rihanna, Hamilton was in a 7-year relationship with pop singer and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

In an interview with The Sun, Scherzinger expressed how devastated she was from the split, although it was a mutual decision: "I'm devastated that it didn't work out. It was the hardest decision we had to make, but we made it together." It seems safe enough for Hamilton to move on.

Before Hamilton's secret escapades with RiRi, rumors swirled of a brief fling with model and reality star Kendall Jenner. At this time, neither Rihanna nor Hamilton have confirmed or denied the rumors. 

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