Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix on Thursday, 22 October 2026, the Ferrari driver said the prospect of racing in Africa remained a personal dream and could encourage him to continue competing beyond his current contract.
Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement with Rwanda on 13 October, with the African Grand Prix expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s once a new circuit has been constructed. The last Formula 1 race held in Africa was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.
Hamilton says African race could extend his career
Hamilton, who turns 42 in January, said the confirmation of an African Grand Prix had given him another reason to remain in Formula 1 for longer.
“I’m now forced 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.
The Briton added that his decision to continue would depend on maintaining his fitness and delivering competitive results.
“I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going,” he said.
Hamilton is contracted to Ferrari through the 2027 season. He has campaigned for Formula 1 to return to Africa for several years, holding meetings with championship executives and engaging with political leaders from across the continent.
Ferrari star acknowledges concerns over Rwanda
Although pleased with the announcement, Hamilton stressed that the return of Formula 1 to Africa should not mean overlooking concerns about the country selected to host the race.
“Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go and, naturally, there are 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.”
His comments came amid criticism from human rights campaigners, including Amnesty International, over Formula 1’s partnership with Rwanda.
Hamilton said the race could create an opportunity for greater international awareness of Africa’s history and the challenges facing the continent.
He also argued that Africa deserved more attention in global education and public discussion, highlighting the lasting effects of colonialism and foreign intervention.
The Ferrari driver maintained that hosting a Grand Prix should not prevent people from discussing these wider issues.
Rwanda prepares for Formula 1’s return to Africa
Under the agreement announced by Formula 1, Rwanda will host the African Grand Prix at a purpose-built circuit planned for Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
The venue is expected to be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, with the project forming part of Rwanda’s broader ambitions in sports, tourism and infrastructure.
Formula 1 has not yet confirmed an exact date for the inaugural race. The event is expected to take place in the early 2030s, subject to the circuit’s development.
The agreement marks a major step towards restoring Africa’s place on the Formula 1 calendar after an absence dating back to 1993.
Hamilton has spent years campaigning for an African race
Hamilton has repeatedly called for Formula 1 to return to Africa, arguing that the championship should be represented on the continent.
He said his efforts had involved numerous meetings with Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, as well as discussions and telephone calls involving political leaders from different African countries.
For Hamilton, the announcement represents more than the addition of another race. He believes it offers an opportunity to increase the continent’s visibility and encourage a wider conversation about its history and future.
Whether he will still be competing when the first Rwanda Grand Prix takes place remains uncertain, but the prospect has given the seven-time champion another reason to consider extending his career.
Nigfooty Sports Desk