Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his intention to remain in the sport into the early 2030s, fueled by a long-held ambition to participate in an African Grand Prix. Following the confirmation of a 10-year agreement to host the event in Rwanda, the 41-year-old Ferrari driver emphasized his commitment to maintaining his fitness to ensure he can reach the starting grid for the race. We’ll keep it going.”, if I can still punch out good results over the next year. He is slated to move to Formula 2 with Invicta next year. “I’m really, really hopeful for that grand prix,” he said. “Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go, and naturally there’s problems all over the world today, so I’ve seen many of the stories but I think we really have to approach it with humility.
The proposed race is scheduled for the early 2030s on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, located approximately 25 miles south of Kigali. This project marks the first return of Formula One to the African continent since the 1993 event at Kyalami, South Africa. Currently contracted with Ferrari until the end of 2027, Hamilton aims to extend his career for at least four more years to fulfill his dream. Hamilton nonetheless felt the meeting would serve as a force for good in Africa and that there also should be more education about the continent. I mean, growing up in England, they never ever taught us anything about Africa.
“I’m now forced to have to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa and that’s been my dream,” Hamilton said ahead of the US Grand Prix. He added that if he continues to perform well, he intends to keep racing. Hamilton, who would be in his mid-40s by 2030, noted that F1 already features experienced drivers, such as 45-year-old Fernando Alonso.
The announcement of the Rwandan Grand Prix has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Felix Jakens, head of campaigns for Amnesty UK, labeled the 10-year deal a “sportswashing” initiative designed to distract from the nation’s human rights record, specifically citing concerns over arbitrary detention, torture, and the suppression of free speech.
Hamilton addressed these concerns by suggesting that the racing community should approach the situation with humility.
He argued that visiting a country does not equate to ignoring its challenges, suggesting that the event might encourage people to educate themselves on the region’s history, including the impacts of colonialism.
He expressed hope that such global events might spark important conversations regarding international conflicts in places like Sudan, the Congo, Syria, and Palestine.
Rwanda has been aggressively expanding its profile in global sports, previously hosting the Basketball Africa League, the 2023 Fifa congress, cycling’s road world championships, and cricket’s Women’s Challenge Trophy. The government and the Rwanda Development Board are backing the new F1 venue as a vehicle for economic growth.
In related developments, the paddock is preparing for the emergence of new talent, with 18-year-old Freddie Slater scheduled to make his F1 free practice debut for the Audi team at next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix. Slater, who recently finished second in the Formula 3 standings, will also drive in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix next month. Allan McNish, Audi’s racing director, stated that the transition is part of a deliberate developmental path for the young driver. Britain’s 18-year-old Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 free practice debut for Audi at next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix. Slater finished second in the Formula 3 standings to Ugo Ugochukwu in his debut season while racing for Trident Motorsport. Getting behind the wheel of an F1 car at a grand prix weekend is a big moment for me and something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid,” Slater said. “I’ve learned a lot this year, and these Free practice outings with Audi F1 Team will be another opportunity to keep gaining on-track experience. Both on and off the track; it is the right time for Freddie to step up,” Audi racing director and academy director Allan McNish, a former F1 driver himself, said, we have seen Freddie making great progress throughout recent years. And another chance to continue his development, these appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend. That rings hollow if F1 shrugs off who it is partnering with.
Meanwhile, the championship battle continues this weekend as Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli approaches the US Grand Prix with a 102-point lead over teammate George Russell. The 20-year-old is on the verge of becoming the youngest world champion in the history of the sport.
