Hamilton aims to race in F1 into the early 2030s to compete in African Grand Prix
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes to extend his career into the early 2030s so he can race in the planned African Grand Prix in Rwanda. He backs the event despite criticism of the country's human rights record.
Lewis Hamilton, the 41-year-old British Ferrari driver and seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has said he hopes to keep racing in motorsport's top series until the African Grand Prix takes place in Rwanda. The race is planned for the early 2030s and would be F1's first event in Africa since 1993. Hamilton believes it is right for F1 to go there, even though the country faces criticism over its human rights record.
A new race in Africa
Last week F1 confirmed that Rwanda would host the African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement. The race is to be held on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 25 miles south of the capital, Kigali. The track has not yet been built. F1 last raced on the continent in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa.
Hamilton has campaigned for an African race for some time. He is understood to be contracted to Ferrari until the end of the 2027 season. Speaking ahead of this weekend's US Grand Prix, he said he would like to carry on for at least four more years. "I'm now forced to have to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa and that's been my dream," he said, adding that he will keep going if he can still deliver good results over the next year. F1's oldest current driver is 45-year-old Fernando Alonso.
Criticism over sportswashing
The award of the race has also drawn criticism from rights groups. Felix Jakens, head of campaigns at Amnesty UK, called it a "sportswashing prize" for the Rwandan authorities, arguing that the country uses sports investment to improve its image. Rwanda has recently invested heavily in sporting events, including cycling's road world championships and the 2023 Fifa congress.
Hamilton nonetheless said the race could be a force for good and could encourage greater interest in Africa. He urged approaching the matter with humility and said the continent should be taught in school curricula.
US Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, 20, can clinch his first F1 title at this weekend's US Grand Prix. He leads teammate George Russell by 102 points.
