The championship announced a return to the continent with a race at a permanent circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali in Rwanda. A 10-year deal to commence in the early 2030s was announced.
His advocacy aligns with the series’ broader push to expand into new markets.
Hamilton’s Personal Stake
When asked about the likely 2026 champion Kimi Räikkönen, he replied, “I’m looking forward to racing with him longer, and we’ll see. I mean, 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.”
He added that the African event means he must keep fit, saying, “If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going!” The driver will be 45 by 2030, the earliest possible year for Rwanda’s first prospective event.
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Describing the continent’s appeal, the champion said it “deserves to have a Grand Prix” and highlighted the “beautiful countries,” “lovely people,” and “rich culture” that could be showcased through the sport.
Broader Implications
He acknowledged that he cannot choose where the series goes, adding that “there are problems all over the world today.” The series must approach new venues with humility, recognizing gaps in understanding.
Reflecting on his upbringing in England, the Briton said education about Africa was lacking and called for the continent to be included in curricula to address the legacy of colonialism and external intervention.
