Lewis Hamilton does not want to retire before he has driven a GP in Africa. He stated this during a press moment in the lead-up to the season opener in Melbourne. The seven-time world champion has been advocating for a Formula 1 race on the African continent for years, but so far without concrete results. However, he sees opportunities in Rwanda and South Africa. The latter country has been working on a return to the calendar for some time.
Read more Uncertainty surrounding F1 races in Middle East, drivers await verdict
“I have been to ten African countries, but there is still so much more to discover,” Hamilton told the press in Australia. “I have been asking that question for years: why don’t we race in Africa? At the same time, I know that hard work is being done behind the scenes.” The 41-year-old Brit says he is actively lobbying for an African Grand Prix and has several locations in mind. “Kenya is fantastic, but I don’t think we can realize a Grand Prix there in the short term. Rwanda is spectacular, as is South Africa. Those are two serious candidates.”
African roots
Although there was plenty of speculation about his approaching retirement last year, Hamilton now makes it clear that he wants to continue as long as he has not yet raced on African soil. “Sometimes I think: ‘Damn, maybe I don’t have enough time’,” he admitted. “But it would be incredibly special, also because I have partly African roots. I am proud of that part of the world and also find it the most beautiful continent. It’s just a shame that the rest of the world owns and takes so much of it.”
Read more Verstappen brushes aside concerns about 2026: ‘I will also go to the limit with a shopping cart’
Last year, the FIA prize-giving ceremony already took place in Rwanda. At the same time, there are plans to build a Formula 1 circuit near Bugesera International Airport. A return to South Africa seems more realistic for now. The management of the Kyalami circuit – where a Grand Prix was last held in 1993 – reported last year that it had come a step closer to a return. In collaboration with the British Apex Circuit Design, renovation plans were drawn up, after which the FIA approved the proposed adjustments towards Grade 1 standard.
Read more FIA responds to drivers’ concerns, adjusts start procedure for Australian GP
Read everything about the Australian GP here
