Lewis Hamilton says Formula One’s planned return to Africa could keep him racing for longer, as he hopes to compete in a Grand Prix on the continent before retiring.
The seven-time world champion welcomed the decision to stage a race in Rwanda, but said people should approach the move with humility and remain aware of the issues facing the country.
Hamilton spoke at a news conference in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, alongside Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
“I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream,” Hamilton said.
The Ferrari driver added that he would try to stay fit and continue racing if he could produce strong results.
Antonelli, 20, encouraged him to remain in the sport long enough to take part in the first race.
Hamilton praised the young Italian, who is leading the championship, and said he was looking forward to racing against him for longer.
Hamilton, who turns 42 in January, has called for Formula One to return to Africa for years.
He said he had spoken with the sport’s leadership and leaders from several African countries as efforts to bring a race to the continent continued.
Rwanda race expected in early 2030s
Formula One announced a 10-year agreement with Rwanda on October 13.
The African Grand Prix is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s, after a purpose-built circuit is completed in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
The exact year of the first race has not been announced.
The circuit is planned as part of a wider development project covering sports, tourism, infrastructure and business.
Formula One says the track will be built to FIA Grade 1 standards, which are required for hosting a Formula One race. It is expected to be near the new Kigali International Airport.
The last Formula One race held in Africa was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg, in 1993. Hamilton was eight years old at the time.
His hope of racing in Africa would therefore depend on him remaining in Formula One until the new event is ready.
Hamilton also spoke about how Africa is taught in schools.
He said his education in England did not include much about the continent and called for it to be included in the curriculum.
He linked some of the challenges facing African countries to colonialism and Western intervention, while pointing to the continent’s people, resources and creative influence.
He said Formula One’s return should prompt people to learn more about Africa’s history and present-day issues.
“Going there doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there,” he said.
The planned race has also drawn criticism from human rights campaigners.
Amnesty International had accused Formula One of giving Rwanda a “sportswashing prize”, arguing that hosting a major sporting event could help improve the country’s image abroad.
Hamilton acknowledged that he had seen the concerns and urged people to discuss the race with humility.
Formula One has said the event will mark its return to Africa after more than three decades away.
The agreement sets out a 10-year partnership, while the first race date and further circuit development details are still to be confirmed.
