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Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed he hopes to extend his career into the next decade to fulfill his dream of competing in an African Grand Prix. His comments follow the announcement of a 10-year agreement to host a race in Rwanda. Alongside his excitement, the current Ferrari driver also addressed the human rights concerns surrounding the host nation.
Bringing the world championship back to African soil has long been a key ambition for Hamilton. The British driver explained that he has held countless meetings and discussions with stakeholders and political leaders throughout his career in a bid to see the continent return to the calendar for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
With the Rwandan Grand Prix targeted for the start of the next decade, Hamilton will be at least 45 by the time the event takes place. The Brit admitted that the announcement essentially obliges him to remain on the grid longer than he originally envisioned.
"I'm looking forward to racing alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli for longer. The announcement of a race in Africa pretty much forces me to stay for quite a while, because that has always been my dream. I will need to keep working hard and maintain peak physical condition. If I'm still delivering strong results next year, we are definitely pushing forward," Hamilton stated during the official press conference in Austin.
Africa Deserves Its Place in Formula 1
Formula 1's biggest star voiced his strong belief that the continent has earned its rightful place on the schedule, highlighting the positive impact such a major global sporting event can have on how the region is perceived worldwide.
"This is a place that fully deserves a Formula 1 race. We are talking about an entire continent, not just one single country. There are so many wonderful nations, great people, and an exceptionally rich culture. It's crucial that our sport showcases all of this to the world. When we visit new destinations, people learn more about them, kids talk about them in school, and interest grows. That's why I have such high hopes for this project," the driver added.
Heavy Criticism and Human Rights Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the new event, the long-term contract with Rwanda has sparked significant public pushback. Felix Jakens, Head of Priority Campaigns at Amnesty International UK, described the 'Visit Rwanda' title partnership as an attempt at sportswashing. The human rights organisation highlighted ongoing concerns over arbitrary detentions, violence, and the suppression of free speech within the country.
The United Nations (UN) and human rights advocates have also scrutinised the Rwandan government's involvement in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, including its reported support for the M23 rebel group, which has been linked to severe human rights abuses and the illegal trafficking of gold and critical minerals.
Hamilton did not shy away from the controversy, underlining that such sensitive issues demand humility, awareness, and a deep understanding of historical context.
"There are complex issues all over the world, and I am aware of these stories. However, we have to approach this with humility because there is so much we don't fully understand. Growing up in England, we never learned enough about Africa in school, and that really should be part of the curriculum. Many of the contemporary struggles there stem from colonialism and Western intervention," the Brit noted.
Hamilton insisted that the sport must not turn a blind eye to real-world challenges, but instead serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue.
"Going there doesn't mean we're ignoring what is happening. My hope is that people educate themselves more about the present day and the centuries-long history of this region. I want this to open the door for important conversations. We must work towards peace and justice in places like the Congo, Sudan, Syria, and Palestine. I firmly believe that sooner or later, lasting peace is achievable," Hamilton concluded.
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