Lewis Hamilton is eager to race in Rwanda when Formula 1 returns to Africa in the early 2030s, even if it means extending his career into his mid-40s. The seven-time world champion has long campaigned for an African Grand Prix and says he is determined to remain competitive long enough to experience the historic event.

Key Highlights

Hamilton Wants to Race in Rwanda: The Ferrari driver hopes to remain in Formula 1 for the planned African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.

Antonelli Encourages Hamilton: The Mercedes youngster urged Hamilton to stay on the grid long enough to compete in at least the inaugural race.

A Long Campaign for Africa: Hamilton has spent years advocating for an African Grand Prix, including meetings with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and African leaders.

F1’s Return to Africa: Rwanda’s planned race would mark Formula 1’s return to the continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.

Hamilton Considers Extending His F1 Career for Rwanda

Lewis Hamilton has another reason to keep racing in Formula 1, with the championship planning an African Grand Prix in Rwanda under a 10-year deal. The event is expected to take place in the early 2030s, when the seven-time world champion would be in his mid-40s.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked about Kimi Antonelli’s first title fight before turning to his own future on the grid. The Ferrari driver admitted that Rwanda’s arrival had given him extra motivation to prolong his career, as racing in Africa has long been a personal ambition.

“I’m looking forward to racing with him longer and we'll see about, I mean, 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,” Hamilton said.

Antonelli responded enthusiastically, telling Hamilton, “So you've got to come.”

Hamilton acknowledged that staying competitive would be crucial to making that ambition a reality. Antonelli had also encouraged Hamilton to stay for the race when the Briton was first asked about Rwanda, saying he had to compete in at least the inaugural event.

Hamilton Has Campaigned for an African Grand Prix for Years

Hamilton’s excitement comes after years of pushing for Formula 1 to return to Africa. The Ferrari driver revealed that he had been heavily involved in discussions behind the scenes, including numerous meetings with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in London and during race weekends.

He also described having repeated conversations with stakeholders and leaders from different African countries as efforts to bring a race to the continent continued.

“I've been advocating for a race in Africa for many, many, many years, and countless meetings with the stakeholders,” Hamilton explained.

For the seven-time champion, the importance of the proposed race extends beyond Rwanda itself. He believes an African Grand Prix would provide an opportunity to showcase the continent’s diverse countries, cultures and people to a global audience.

“I think for me, it's a place that deserves to have a grand prix. It's more than just about one country. It's about the continent in itself,” he said.

Hamilton also highlighted Formula 1’s ability to introduce audiences to places they may not know much about, potentially inspiring younger generations to learn more about the continent. He added that he was “really, really hopeful” the race would go ahead.

Rwanda Grand Prix Could Mark F1’s Return to Africa

Formula 1 has not held a race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Rwanda’s planned event would therefore represent a significant return for the championship after decades away from the continent.

With Hamilton among the strongest advocates for an African race, the prospect carries personal significance for the Ferrari driver.

However, with the event expected in the early 2030s, Hamilton would need to maintain his fitness and competitive form for several more seasons to take part. For now, his message is clear: the chance to race in Africa is another reason to keep fighting on the Formula 1 grid.