Lewis Hamilton has said he hopes to remain racing in Formula One until he can take part in the African Grand Prix which is set to take place in Rwanda in the 2030s. The seven-time world champion believes it is right that F1 is to hold a race there despite criticism of the country’s human rights record. Last week F1 confirmed Rwanda was to host the African Grand Prix having concluded a 10-year agreement for the meeting on a purpose-built circuit, with the first race set for the early 2030s.
It is lined up to be held on a circuit in Bugesera, 25 miles south of the capital, Kigali, which has yet to be constructed and marks a return to the African continent for the first time since it last held a race at Kyalami, South Africa in 1993. Hamilton has been championing a race in Africa for some time. The 41-year-old is understood to be currently contracted with Ferrari until the end of the 2027 season, and speaking before this weekend’s US Grand Prix he said he would like to continue racing for at least another four years in order to make it to the meeting in Rwanda.
If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going.” Hamilton would be at least in his mid-40s if he was to continue until 2030. F1’s current oldest driver is 45-year-old Fernando Alonso. F1’s deal with Rwanda is for a 10-year period but because of the country’s human rights record the award of the race has been criticised as an act of sportswashing.
Formula One says sport can be ‘a positive force for good’. That rings hollow if F1 shrugs off who it is partnering with. Rwanda’s authorities are prolific in arbitrary detention, torture and the repression of free speech.” Hamilton nonetheless felt the meeting would serve as a force for good in Africa and that there also should be more education about the continent.
I mean, growing up in England, they never ever 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.
I know there’s many people that don’t want that to happen, because they would be so powerful if they did, but I’m still hopeful that at some stage they will.” The new race is being backed by the government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board, who intend to develop the venue as a destination not only for motorsport but for promoting economic growth. The country has recently invested heavily in hosting sporting events, including cycling’s road world championships, cricket’s Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 Fifa congress and the Basketball Africa League. Hamilton felt that at least the race would present an opportunity for people to take a greater interest in Africa.
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