Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has issued a powerful call for African countries to unite and "take back" their continent from European powers, which he claims still exert undue control. The British racing driver, who is F1's first black competitor, made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Melbourne ahead of the new season.
Hamilton's Passionate Plea for African Sovereignty
The Ferrari driver, aged 41, expressed deep pride in his African heritage, with roots in Togo and Benin. He described Africa as "the most beautiful part of the world" and voiced frustration over external ownership and exploitation. Hamilton emphasised the need for collective action among African leaders to reclaim autonomy from former colonial rulers like France, Spain, Portugal, and Britain.
"I'm really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back," Hamilton stated. "Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It's so important for the future of that continent."
Ambition for an African Grand Prix
Alongside his political advocacy, Hamilton outlined a personal sporting ambition: to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix on African soil before retiring. He revealed that he has been lobbying behind the scenes for years to bring a race to the continent, questioning why F1 has events on every other continent except Africa.
"For the past six years, maybe seven, I've been fighting in the background to get a grand prix," he explained. "I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them."
Potential Host Nations and Personal Connection
Hamilton, who has travelled extensively across Africa, suggested several countries as potential hosts for a future Grand Prix. He highlighted Rwanda as "spectacular" and South Africa as "stunning," while also expressing admiration for Kenya, though he doubted its suitability for a race. His half-African heritage adds a personal dimension to this campaign, making it a heartfelt mission.
"There's one on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they're really trying," he added, noting that stakeholders have set tentative dates, which fuels his urgency to see this dream realised during his career.
Hamilton's comments blend sporting ambition with a broader social message, urging African nations to leverage their resources and unity to become a global powerhouse, free from external domination.
