Lewis Hamilton wants grand prix in Africa before retiring Lewis Hamilton has expressed his desire to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the African continent before retiring from the sport. The seven-time world champion emphasized that he would not leave Formula 1 without the opportunity to race in Africa, stating he has been advocating for such an event for the past six to seven years. He questioned the sport’s leadership on why there has been no African Grand Prix, saying, “I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there.” Hamilton, who is half-African, described his pursuit of the event as a personal mission, noting that the sport’s bosses have set specific dates for potential races, which he feels he may be running out of time to achieve. Hamilton, the first Black driver in Formula 1, highlighted his awareness that the sport’s executives are “really trying” to bring a race to Africa. However, he acknowledged that there is no immediate plan for such an event and that the likelihood of an African Grand Prix before the end of this decade remains low. Rwanda was the most recent country linked to hosting a race, but those plans have since been abandoned. Discussions about returning to South Africa, including potential locations at Kyalami near Johannesburg or in Cape Town, also collapsed. Kyalami previously hosted races from 1967 to 1985 and again from 1992 to 1993, though the latter period coincided with South Africa’s apartheid era. Beyond the logistical challenges, Hamilton expressed concerns about the historical exploitation of African nations by Western powers, particularly those that colonized the continent in the 18th and 19th centuries.#south_africa #ferrari #formula_1 #lewis_hamilton #rwanda
Lewis Hamilton Calls for Africa to Be 'Taken Back' Lewis Hamilton has urged African nations to reclaim their continent, arguing that European powers still exert undue influence over the region. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the seven-time world champion emphasized his belief that Africa is being "controlled" by former colonial rulers and called for a movement to "take it back." The 41-year-old British driver, who is F1’s first Black racing driver, highlighted his personal connection to the continent, citing roots in countries like Togo and Benin. He expressed pride in Africa’s cultural and natural beauty, criticizing the way the continent’s resources are exploited by external forces. "I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it," he said. "It’s so important for the future of that continent. They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that’s probably why they are being controlled the way they are." Hamilton also reiterated his long-standing advocacy for an African Grand Prix, stating he hopes to race on African soil before retiring. "For the past six or seven years, I’ve been fighting in the background to get a grand prix," he explained. "I’ve been sitting with stakeholders and asking, ‘Why are we not in Africa?’" He admitted concerns about time slipping away, noting, "I could be running out of time," and vowed to stay in the sport until the event materializes. The Mercedes driver, who now races for Ferrari, praised the potential of several African nations as host locations. He mentioned Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as standout options, describing Rwanda as "spectacular" and South Africa as "stunning." While he acknowledged Kenya’s appeal, he suggested it might not be the chosen site.#formula_1 #lewis_hamilton #africa #kenya #rwanda
