Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has made a surprising declaration about his sporting future. The British driver announced he does not intend to retire until the queen of motorsport returns to the African continent. The driver emphasized that Africa's presence on the calendar is crucial for the series' global character, and he himself wants to take part in this historic event before ending his racing career.

Retirement condition

Lewis Hamilton announced he will not end his career before Formula 1 returns to Africa.

Pressure on F1 authorities

The driver demands that Liberty Media restore an African race to the calendar.

Long-term absence

The African continent has not hosted a Formula 1 race for over three decades.

Social dimension

Hamilton combines sporting postulates with appeals to strengthen Africa's agency.

Lewis Hamilton, the most decorated driver in Formula 1 history, has stirred the motorsport world with his latest declaration regarding the end of his career. The Briton unequivocally stated that his sporting retirement will not happen until a Grand Prix held in Africa appears on the world championship calendar. Hamilton has been lobbying for years for the return of races to this continent, arguing that Formula 1 cannot call itself a truly world series while ignoring such a vast and significant region. His words are interpreted as strong pressure on the Liberty Media and FIA authorities, who have been in talks with potential organizers, mainly from South Africa and Morocco, for some time. The situation is all the more significant because Africa has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar since 1993, when the last race was held at the Kyalami circuit. Hamilton does not limit himself to sporting aspects in his statements. During recent appearances, he called on the people of Africa to "reclaim" their continent and build a strong identity, which adds a social and political dimension to his postulates. The Mercedes driver emphasizes that organizing a race would be a developmental impulse for local infrastructure and tourism, as well as a chance to promote diversity in a sport dominated by Europe and North America. The last African Grand Prix took place on March 14, 1993, at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, with Alain Prost as the winner. Since then, Formula 1 has regularly bypassed this continent, despite numerous attempts to revive the race undertaken by local promoters and governments. Experts point out that the main obstacle to F1's return to Africa are the enormous costs of modernizing circuits to FIA Grade 1 standards and high licensing fees. Nevertheless, Hamilton's determination may prove crucial. The Briton, who is moving to Ferrari in 2025, suggests he is ready to race for several more seasons, just to witness the moment when cars reappear on African soil. His stance is met with enthusiasm from fans on the continent, but also calls into question the staffing plans of teams, which must consider the prolonged activity of the sports legend. „I can't retire until we have a race in Africa. That is my goal, that is what I am fighting for.” — Lewis Hamilton

Mentioned People

  • Lewis Hamilton — Seven-time Formula 1 world champion, currently a Mercedes driver, from 2025 a Ferrari driver.
  • Alain Prost — Former F1 world champion, winner of the last African Grand Prix in 1993.