The key facts

  • F1 announced a 10-year agreement with Rwanda; the race will join the calendar after a circuit is built in the early 2030s
  • Hamilton (41, Ferrari) is ready to extend his career to race in Africa
  • The last African F1 race was the 1993 South African Grand Prix near Johannesburg

Hamilton on F1's return to Africa

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton welcomed Formula 1's decision to return to Africa. Last week, F1 announced a 10-year agreement with Rwanda: the race will join the calendar after a circuit is built in the early 2030s. The last F1 round on the African continent took place in 1993 — it was the 33rd South African Grand Prix near Johannesburg, when Hamilton was eight years old.

On caution and the historical context

The 41-year-old Ferrari driver, who has long campaigned for the series' return to Africa, said he is aware of the existing concerns regarding Rwanda and that they should not be ignored. “Of course, I don't choose where we go, and there are problems everywhere in the world today. I have seen many stories, but I think we need to approach this with humility,” AFP quoted him as saying. He added that “there is a lot we don't know” and noted that Africa was not covered at school in England, although, in his view, it should be part of the curriculum. Hamilton also said that many of the continent's problems are “still the result of colonialism and Western interference,” and expressed hope that F1's decision will “spark a conversation” and encourage people to learn more about Africa's history.

Plans to extend his career

Hamilton said he dreams of competing in an African Grand Prix and is therefore ready to continue his career longer: “Now I'm forced to stay around a lot longer, because we're going to have a race in Africa — that was my dream.” He sat next to 20-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, whom he warmly praised, and said he is happy to race against him for longer. Antonelli replied: “So you have time. You have to race at least the first one.” Hamilton added: “I'll have to keep fighting and try to stay in shape. If I can deliver good results next year, we'll continue.” He also hinted that he hopes to race until his mid-forties.