Lewis Hamilton has called on African countries to reclaim control of their resources and work together to unlock the continent’s potential. Speaking ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, the seven-time Formula One champion emphasized that Africa’s wealth, culture, and talent deserve global recognition and that the continent must take its place on the world stage.
Hamilton, who proudly calls himself half‑African with ancestral roots in Benin, Senegal and Nigeria, said he feels a deep bond with the continent and believes it deserves far greater global recognition. “Africa is the most beautiful part of the world,” he told reporters. “But I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it, and no one speaks about it.”
His message wasn’t just sentimental, it carried a call to action. Hamilton urged African leaders and people to come together to “take Africa back” from the lingering influences of former colonial powers he named, including France, Spain, Portugal and Britain. He said unity and collective effort are key to unlocking the continent’s vast potential, which he believes could make Africa one of the most powerful and prosperous regions in the world.
Amid his message of empowerment, Hamilton also renewed his long‑standing dream of bringing a Formula One Grand Prix to Africa, a feat the sport hasn’t achieved since 1993, when the Kyalami circuit in South Africa last hosted a race.
Hamilton said he has spent years quietly lobbying F1 decision‑makers behind the scenes, asking repeatedly why the world’s most elite racing series doesn’t include Africa on its calendar. He said he doesn’t want to retire without racing on the continent and is pushing for that to happen while he still has time in his career.
During his travels across the continent, Hamilton spoke about the places that have left a deep impression on him. He described Kenya as a place he loved visiting, even if it may not be ready to host a grand prix, and said Rwanda was “spectacular”, a place he could imagine living. He also praised South Africa for its beauty and motorsport heritage, identifying all three nations as strong potential homes for Africa’s first F1 race.
