Lewis Hamilton has vowed to stay in Formula 1 until a Grand Prix is held in Africa, saying he has spent six to seven years “fighting in the background” to make it happen and that he does not want to retire without having raced on the continent. Speaking ahead of the season opener in Melbourne, the seven-time world champion and Ferrari driver said he aims to race in Africa at least once before he retires and named South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda as strong candidate hosts.

Hamilton framed his campaign in personal and political terms, describing himself as “half-African”, citing roots in Togo and Benin and noting planned visits in 2025 to Benin, Senegal and Nigeria. He accused former colonial powers of ongoing exploitation, urged African unity and said it was time to “take Africa back”, while continuing behind-the-scenes lobbying with stakeholders to restore an F1 race to the continent.

Practical obstacles remain substantial. F1’s last African race was at Kyalami in 1993 and the circuit will need upgrades to regain FIA Grade 1 status; the FIA approved plans and gave the venue three years to complete the works, and Hamilton has pushed for an accelerated timeline. Rival bids have gone quiet, a Rwandan proposal is unlikely to be ready before 2029 amid regional security concerns, and Hamilton himself acknowledged there is no imminent prospect — he said the chances of a race before the end of the decade are low. There are currently no confirmed race dates or official agreements to bring F1 back to Africa.

Sources