Lewis Hamilton welcomes Formula 1’s return to Africa but raises concerns over Rwanda Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has welcomed Formula 1’s plans to return to Africa, while acknowledging concerns surrounding Rwanda’s selection as the potential host of the continent’s first Grand Prix in more than three decades.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion also revealed that he hopes to continue racing into his forties, with the prospect of competing in an African Grand Prix providing extra motivation to extend his career.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver said he was aware of the concerns surrounding Rwanda and stressed that they should not be ignored.

“Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go and, naturally, there are problems all over the world today,” Hamilton said. “I’ve seen many of the stories, but I think we really have to approach it with humility.”

Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement to bring a Grand Prix to Rwanda the previous week. The race is expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s, once a circuit has been constructed.

The last Formula 1 race held on African soil was the 1993 South African Grand Prix near Johannesburg, when Hamilton was just eight years old.

Hamilton Calls for Greater Understanding of Africa

Hamilton, who has long advocated for Formula 1 to return to Africa, also highlighted the importance of improving public understanding of the continent’s history, culture and economic potential.

Reflecting on his education in England, the British driver said he believed African history deserved greater attention in school curriculums.

“There’s a lot that we don’t know,” Hamilton added.

“Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum.”

Hamilton also pointed to the lasting effects of colonialism and foreign intervention, arguing that these historical factors remain relevant to understanding the challenges facing parts of the continent today.

He highlighted Africa’s natural resources, creativity and potential, while expressing hope that greater unity among African nations could help strengthen the continent’s global influence.

“I really hope, and I still have hopes, that Africa unites,” he said.

“I know there are many people that don’t want that to happen — because they would be so powerful if they did, but I’m still hopeful that at some stage they will.”

The Ferrari driver added that bringing Formula 1 back to Africa should not mean overlooking the challenges facing countries on the continent.

“And, of course, going doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there,” Hamilton explained.

He also encouraged people to educate themselves about Africa’s past and present, expressing hope that the planned Grand Prix would encourage broader discussions about the continent.

Rwanda Grand Prix Could Mark Formula 1’s African Return

The proposed Rwanda Grand Prix would mark a significant milestone for Formula 1, which has not raced in Africa since the championship’s final visit to South Africa in 1993.

The planned agreement would bring the sport back to a continent that Hamilton has repeatedly said deserves a place on the international racing calendar.

However, his comments underline that the prospect of returning to Africa also raises wider questions about the choice of host country and the circumstances surrounding the event.

Hamilton made clear that he welcomed the opportunity to race on the continent while recognising that concerns about Rwanda should remain part of the conversation.

For the British driver, the prospect represents more than another addition to the Formula 1 calendar. It is also an opportunity to compete in a region with which he has expressed a longstanding connection and interest.

Hamilton Hopes to Race Into His Forties

Hamilton also discussed his future in Formula 1, revealing that the prospect of competing in an African Grand Prix has strengthened his determination to remain in the sport for longer.

During the news conference, he warmly praised Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who was seated alongside him, and expressed his desire to continue racing against the young Italian in the coming years.

Hamilton admitted that the opportunity to compete in Africa had given him another reason to extend his career.

“I’m looking forward to racing with him longer. I mean, I’m now forced to have to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa — and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa,” he said.

Antonelli, aged 20, responded encouragingly, telling Hamilton that he had time to continue competing and should aim to be on the grid for the inaugural event.

“You’ve got time,” Antonelli said. “You’ve got to do at least the first one.”

Hamilton agreed that maintaining his fitness and performance would be essential if he was to achieve that goal.

“Yeah,” he replied. “I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit if I can. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going.”

With Formula 1 potentially preparing for a historic return to Africa, Hamilton’s comments have highlighted both his enthusiasm for the proposed race and his ambition to remain behind the wheel long enough to experience it.