Hamilton: African Grand Prix should be approached with humility

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion who now drives for Ferrari, has said Africa deserves to host a grand prix. He stressed that such a race matters for the whole continent rather than a single country. His comments come amid a political dispute around a possible race in Africa.

Hamilton's view

Hamilton said the continent has many beautiful countries, welcoming people and a rich culture, and that the sport can show this to the world. In his view, viewers learn about countries they previously knew little about. He noted that children talk about it at school, and said he is very hopeful about the race.

He added, however, that going there does not mean neglecting what is happening in these places. Hamilton hopes more people will educate themselves about what is going on and what has happened there for hundreds of years, and that this sparks a conversation. He finished by saying the push should be to free Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine, and expressed hope for peace.

Congo's objections

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, said in a statement last week that giving Rwandan President Paul Kagame this platform would help polish the image of an authoritarian leader whose government, she said, has helped fuel a devastating war in her country.

She pointed out that the United States has sanctioned the Rwandan army and four senior officers for destabilising the region, conducting military operations inside the DRC, and supporting, training and fighting alongside the M23 rebel group. She also said Formula 1 should require credible, independent guarantees that no money used to host the race comes from conflict-linked minerals or the exploitation of Congolese resources.