Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has called on Africans to “take back” their continent, arguing that Africa continues to be heavily influenced by European powers.
Hamilton, Formula One’s first Black driver, has often spoken about his African heritage and frequently spends time travelling across the continent. In recent years, he has visited countries including Kenya, Rwanda and Benin.
Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, the Scuderia Ferrari driver said he has ancestral roots in places such as Togo and Benin, adding that he is proud of that heritage.
“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,” Hamilton said.
He expressed hope that African leaders would unite and assert greater control over the continent’s future.
“I’m really hoping that the people who are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back — take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British,” he stated.
Hamilton argued that Africa possesses vast natural resources and the potential to become one of the most powerful regions globally.
On the prospect of hosting a Formula One race in Africa, Hamilton reiterated his long-standing campaign for the return of a Grand Prix to the continent. He revealed that for the past six or seven years, he has been engaging stakeholders behind the scenes to push for the move.
“For the past six years, maybe seven, I’ve been fighting in the background to get a grand prix … asking the question, ‘Why are we not in Africa?’” he said.
Hamilton added that he hopes to compete in an African Grand Prix before retiring from the sport.
“There’s one on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they’re really trying,” he noted.
Drawing from his travels, he suggested potential host nations, highlighting Rwanda and South Africa as strong candidates, while also praising Kenya as a beautiful destination.
