Hamilton vows to keep racing for a shot at Rwanda’s African Grand Prix

Hamilton says Rwanda race could keep him in F1

Lewis Hamilton says he wants to continue racing in Formula One long enough to compete in the planned African Grand Prix in Rwanda, which is expected to begin in the early 2030s.

“I’m now forced to have to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa and that’s been my dream to be able to race in Africa,” Hamilton said before this weekend’s United States Grand Prix. “So, I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit if I can. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going.”

Hamilton, 41, is understood to be contracted to Ferrari through the end of the 2027 season. Reaching the proposed race would mean extending his career into his mid-40s or beyond. The current oldest driver on the grid is Fernando Alonso, aged 45.

Race plan draws human-rights criticism

Formula One confirmed last week that Rwanda had secured a 10-year agreement to host the event on a purpose-built circuit planned for Bugesera, about 25 miles south of Kigali. The venue has yet to be built. The race would mark F1’s return to Africa for the first time since the championship last competed at Kyalami, South Africa, in 1993.

The deal has been criticised by Amnesty International UK, whose head of campaigns, Felix Jakens, called it “a sportswashing prize for the Rwandan authorities”. Jakens said the country was using major sporting events to polish its image and pointed to allegations of arbitrary detention, torture and restrictions on free speech.

Hamilton said he remained hopeful about the race, while acknowledging that the concerns should not be ignored. “I think we really have to approach it with humility,” he said. He added that attending should not mean neglecting events in Rwanda or elsewhere, and argued that the visit could encourage people to learn more about Africa and its history.

Hamilton calls for more education about Africa

Hamilton said his education in England had not taught him about Africa and that the subject should be included in school curricula. He linked present-day challenges on the continent to colonialism and outside intervention, and said he hoped African countries would unite.

He also called for peace and freedom in Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine, saying he hoped the race would help spark broader conversation rather than distract from political and human-rights issues.

Rwanda’s government and Rwanda Development Board back the project, which is intended to support economic growth and promote the country as a destination for sporting events. Rwanda has recently hosted or invested in major competitions and gatherings across cycling, cricket, football and basketball.

At the United States Grand Prix, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could mathematically clinch his first F1 title if he wins, George Russell finishes ninth or lower, and Hamilton finishes fifth or lower.