Hamilton says Africa Formula 1 race could extend his career

Lewis Hamilton said the planned return of Formula 1 to Africa could extend his career. The seven-time world champion and Ferrari driver said he wanted to race on the continent before leaving the sport.

Formula 1 management has reached an agreement with Rwanda to host a Grand Prix there in the early 2030s. Hamilton said the development gave him new motivation. The driver reminded that he is contracted with Ferrari until the end of 2027, and said he could continue racing for longer if he keeps getting competitive results.

Hamilton explained that he has spoken for years with Formula 1 executives and political leaders across the continent about staging a race in Africa. He said he had held many meetings with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at his London office and during race weekends, and had also spoken by phone with the presidents of many African countries.

The driver argued that Africa deserves a Grand Prix. According to Hamilton, the matter concerned the entire continent, not a single country. He said hosting a race would help raise worldwide recognition of Africa's history and its various countries, and would give people more opportunity to build a deeper connection with the continent.

Formula 1 last held a championship race in Africa in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa. As the sport's first and only Black world champion, Hamilton continues to call for greater representation and opportunity for the continent.