By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, has announced his efforts to bring Formula One back to Africa, revealing behind-the-scenes discussions with Rwanda and South Africa to make it a reality. Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton emphasized that the time is right for the sport to return to the continent.
“The time is 100 percent right,” Hamilton stated. “We can’t keep adding races in other locations while ignoring Africa, which has long been overlooked despite its global significance. A Grand Prix in Africa would showcase the continent’s beauty, boost tourism, and bring many benefits. There’s at least one track ready to host a race. In the short term, we should use that track and integrate it into the calendar while working on more ambitious projects.”
The return of Formula One to Africa has been a long-standing goal, with the sport last visiting the continent in 1993 when South Africa’s Kyalami circuit hosted a race. Financial challenges have been a major barrier to this return. F1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali revealed this month that Rwanda is interested in hosting a race at a new, yet-to-be-built permanent circuit, with further discussions planned for September.
Hamilton, F1’s first and only Black driver, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Rwanda is one of my favorite places. I’ve been working behind the scenes on this and have spoken to people in both Rwanda and South Africa. Although Rwanda is a longer-term project, their eagerness to be involved is incredible,” Hamilton said.
In addition to his F1 commitments, Hamilton has been actively engaged with various humanitarian causes through the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). His recent trip took him to Morocco, Senegal, Benin, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Reflecting on his experiences, Hamilton noted the profound impact of visiting refugee camps and witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by displaced individuals.
“It’s one thing to read about these issues or see them in the news, but experiencing them personally is deeply moving. Seeing children walk 10 kilometers to school each day without access to meals was particularly sobering. The historical context in Senegal, especially visiting sites related to the slave trade, was also very impactful. These experiences are shaping my future ambitions and goals.”
Hamilton’s commitment to leveraging his platform for positive change is evident in both his efforts to bring Formula One back to Africa and his humanitarian work. As discussions continue, his vision for a Formula One Grand Prix on the continent remains a hopeful and exciting prospect for the future of the sport.