Lewis Hamilton blasts colonial powers and demands Africa take back control as he pushes for historic F1 return
According to the Daily Mirror and sports writer Scott Trotter, Hamilton raised the issue while speaking to reporters before the 2026 Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne, after being asked about the possibility of a Grand Prix in Africa.
The seven time world champion used the moment to reflect on Africa’s history, its global importance and the absence of a Formula 1 race on the continent for more than three decades.
Hamilton speaks out on Africa’s resources
Hamilton described Africa as one of the most remarkable places in the world but argued that its wealth and natural resources have long been influenced by foreign powers.
“I think it is the most beautiful part of the world, and 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,” he said.
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“I’m really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back. That’s what I want to see.”
"Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It’s so important for the future of that continent.
"They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that’s probably why they are being controlled the way they are. But anyways, move on.”
Hamilton’s comments came during a discussion about motorsport’s global reach, but he broadened the conversation to highlight what he sees as Africa’s untapped potential.
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Why Formula 1 has been absent from Africa
Formula 1 has not held a race on the African continent since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.
Hamilton noted that every other inhabited continent now hosts a Formula 1 race and said the absence of Africa stands out as a major gap in the calendar.
“There’s one on every other continent, why not Africa?” he said. “I know they [F1] are really trying. I think they’ve been to quite a few different countries.”
The driver also pointed to several countries he believes could host a race in the future.
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“The ones that I’ve enjoyed the most, I loved Kenya. [But] I don’t think we’re going to have a grand prix in Kenya. Rwanda was spectacular. Two places I felt like I could live.
"South Africa is stunning. I think those are the ones I think would be good places for us to potentially go to.”
Hamilton’s personal push for an African grand prix
Hamilton said he has been pressing Formula 1 leadership to add an African race to the calendar before he retires.
“I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I’m chasing them, ‘When is it going to be?’” he said.
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"They’re setting certain dates. I’m like, ‘Damn, I could be running out of time…’ So I’m going to be here for a while, until that happens, because that would be amazing, given that I’m half African.”
The Ferrari driver also spoke about his own family roots in the region and recent visits he has made across the continent.
“I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin. I went to visit Benin last year, Senegal and Nigeria. It’s something I’m really, really proud of. I’m really proud of that part of the world.”
Sources: Daily Mirror
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