“Lifelong dream”: Hamilton hails Africa’s F1 return in Rwanda, hints at extending career

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Listen Hamilton said the prospect of racing on the continent could extend his career, describing an African race as a long-held dream he has championed for years.

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has welcomed the sport’s planned return to Africa with a proposed Rwanda Grand Prix.

Hamilton said the prospect of racing on the continent could extend his career, describing an African race as a long-held dream he has championed for years.

“I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream,” Hamilton said. “I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results … we’ll keep it going.”

The 41-year-old Ferrari driver made the remarks on Thursday ahead of the United States Grand Prix, saying the event would provide an opportunity to showcase Africa’s rich culture to a global audience.

“I’ve been advocating for a race in Africa for many, many years,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said the proposed event should be viewed as an opportunity to showcase Africa’s diverse cultures rather than focus on a single country.

“It’s about more than just one country. It’s about the continent itself. The people are so lovely. The culture is so rich, and I think it's important that we get to show that to the world,” he added.

“There's a lot that we don't know. Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum. A lot of the problems they have there are still results of colonialism and the West intervening.”

Hamilton also called for freedom in Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine, expressing hope for peace.

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