Sports

Hamilton Aims to Extend F1 Career to Compete in Rwanda’s African Grand Prix

By Giles Richards

Lewis Hamilton said he hopes to stay in Formula One until he can race in the African Grand Prix, which will be held in Rwanda in the early 2030s. The seven‑time world champion believes it is right for F1 to hold a race there despite criticism of the country’s human‑rights record. Last week F1 confirmed that Rwanda will host the African Grand Prix, having signed a 10‑year agreement for a purpose‑built circuit. The first race is scheduled for the early 2030s on a track in Bugesera, 25 miles south of Kigali, marking the first African Grand Prix since Kyalami in South Africa in 1993.

Hamilton, who is currently contracted with Ferrari until the end of the 2027 season, said before the US Grand Prix that he would like to continue racing for at least another four years to reach the meeting in Rwanda. "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," he said. "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."

If Hamilton races until 2030 he will be in his mid‑40s, while the oldest current driver is 45‑year‑old Fernando Alonso. The 10‑year deal with Rwanda has been criticised as a form of sportswashing, with Amnesty UK’s Felix Jakens saying that the race is a way for Rwanda to polish its image amid a poor human‑rights record.

Hamilton said he believes the event could be a force for good in Africa and that more education about the continent is needed. "I’m really, really hopeful for that grand prix," he said. "I think we really have to approach it with humility. There’s a lot that we don’t know. Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum."

The new race is backed by the Rwandan government and the Rwanda Development Board, which aim to use the venue to promote economic growth. Rwanda has recently invested in sporting events such as cycling’s world championships, cricket’s Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA congress and the Basketball Africa League.

Hamilton added that the race could spark greater interest in Africa and encourage people to learn more about its history and current issues. "Hopefully many people start to educate themselves a little bit more about what is happening there, what has happened there for hundreds of years," he said.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli is in position to clinch his first F1 title at this weekend’s US Grand Prix, holding a 102‑point lead over teammate George Russell. If Antonelli wins, Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton is fifth or lower, Antonelli will become Formula One’s youngest world champion.