London, May 14 : Formula One racing star Lewis Hamilton is set to ink a ten million pound deal with the Reebok sports company.

According to the Daily Express, Hamilton, who has signed up with McLaren for another four years, is one of the hottest properties in the world for sponsors.

A long list of companies are willing to put their names on his race suit or have his face endorse their products, and Reebok, who have footballers Thierry Henry and Andriy Shevchenko plus boxer Amir Khan as global ambassadors, recognise his importance.

Hamilton, who is the first black driver in Formula One history, was runner-up in the championship last year in his first season.

He is the driver around whom the team will build and while all previous drivers since Ayrton Senna have lacked the power to influence team policy, Hamilton has real strength in negotiations.

A McLaren spokesman said: "We can confirm Lewis's father and manager Anthony has been in discussions with Reebok with regard to a personal sponsorship for Lewis.

"We have been in close contact with Lewis and Anthony throughout. As a result, any marketing activity undertaken by Lewis on behalf of Reebok will be fully consistent with his obligations to the team."