Lewis Hamilton has welcomed Formula One’s decision to return to Africa and said he would prolong his career so he can take part in the grand prix in Rwanda. The seven-time world champion made the comments on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
The 41-year-old said he was aware of concerns about Rwanda and that they should not be overlooked. “Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go and, naturally, there’s problems all over the world today,” he said. “I’ve seen many of the stories, but I think we really have to approach it with humility.”
Hamilton urges humility over Rwanda concerns
Formula One announced a 10-year agreement to race in Rwanda last week. The race is set to join the calendar once a circuit has been built in the early 2030s. Hamilton said “there’s a lot that we don’t know” and noted that he has called for a return to Africa for many years.
Hamilton, who drives for Ferrari, said he was never taught anything about Africa while growing up in England. “It needs to be on the curriculum,” he said. He argued that many of the continent’s problems are still the result of colonialism and Western intervention, while pointing to its influential designs, top brands and rich resources.
Last F1 race in Africa dates back to 1993
The last F1 race held in Africa was the 33rd South African Grand Prix near Johannesburg in 1993, when Hamilton was eight years old. He said he hoped people would educate themselves more about what is happening on the continent and what has happened there for hundreds of years.
Antonelli and Hamilton discuss extending careers
Hamilton praised runaway championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes while sitting alongside him at a news conference. He said he hopes to keep racing into his mid-forties, adding that he now has to stay in the sport longer because of the planned race in Africa.
The 20-year-old Italian replied: “So, you’ve got time. You’ve got to do at least the first one.” Hamilton responded that he has to keep fighting to stay fit and that if he can still produce good results over the next year, they will keep going.
