Lewis Hamilton has reiterated his desire to see Formula 1 return to Africa, explaining that the continent holds deep personal significance for him and represents an important missing piece in the sport’s global footprint.
Speaking about the possibility of an African Grand Prix, he described both the emotional and practical reasons he continues to push for the idea, while also naming the countries he believes could realistically host a race.
Hamilton’s long-running effort to bring F1 back to Africa
Hamilton explained that he has been advocating for an African Grand Prix for many years, saying he has spent “six or seven years” meeting with stakeholders and asking why the sport has not returned to the continent.
He emphasised that Formula 1 races on every other continent and argued that Africa deserves the same recognition. He said, “I’ve been fighting in the background to get a Grand Prix… sitting with stakeholders and asking the question, why are we not in Africa? There’s one on every other continent, why not Africa?”
He added that he does not want to retire before seeing the project succeed, explaining, “I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there, so I’m chasing them: when is it going to be? They’re setting certain dates, I’m like, damn, I could be running out of time, so I’m going to be here for a while until that happens.”
The African destinations Hamilton believes could host a race
Hamilton has travelled widely across Africa, visiting ten countries so far, and he highlighted several that left a strong impression on him. He said, “I loved Kenya,” although he acknowledged that it is unlikely to host a Grand Prix.
He described Rwanda as “spectacular,” adding that both Kenya and Rwanda were places where he felt he could live. He also praised South Africa, calling it “stunning” and suggesting it as one of the most promising locations for a future race.
His comments reflect both personal affection and a belief that multiple African nations have the potential to host a world‑class motorsport event.
Hamilton spoke openly about his heritage and the pride he feels in his African roots. He said, “Given that I’m half African… I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin.”
He described recent visits to Benin, Senegal, and Nigeria, explaining that these experiences deepened his connection to the continent. He added, “It’s something I’m really, really proud of. I’m really proud of that part of the world. I think it is the most beautiful part of the world.”
This personal connection is a major reason he wants to see Formula 1 return to Africa during his career.
Hamilton’s broader message about Africa’s future
Hamilton used the discussion to speak more broadly about Africa’s global position and the challenges it faces. He expressed frustration at how external powers continue to influence the continent, saying, “I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it.”
He called for unity and empowerment, stating, “I’m really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back… take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British.”
He argued that Africa has the resources to become “the greatest and most powerful place in the world,” and suggested that this potential is precisely why it has been historically controlled by outside forces.