Lewis Hamilton lobbies for a F1 race in Africa

• Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is drumming support for an F1 race in Africa
• The seven-time F1 World Champion recently made a passionate plea
• Hamilton is of mixed British and Grenadian heritage

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is drumming support for an F1 race in Africa.

The seven-time F1 World Champion recently made a passionate plea for the race to be added to the Grand Prix calendar in Africa where he traces his heritage to.

Hamilton is of mixed British and Grenadian heritage and believes that the continent has a rich history of motorsport and a passionate fan base that deserves to experience the thrill of F1 firsthand.

He says that Africa deserves to host a F1 race after 30 years since the last one held in 1993 in South Africa.

“I think Africa is a continent that deserves a Formula One race. It’s a continent with a huge passion for motorsport, and I think it would be an incredible experience for the fans to have a race here,” he told Sky Sports in an interview.

Last F1 Race in Africa

The Formula One World Championship made its final stop on African soil in 1993, with the South African Grand Prix held at the iconic Kyalami circuit. The race, marked by intense competition and dramatic moments, etched itself into the annals of F1 history.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Photo/GB News

Frenchman Alain Prost, returning to F1 after a year-long sabbatical, took pole position and led the majority of the race, showcasing his unwavering determination and strategic brilliance. However, young Brazilian sensation Ayrton Senna, known for his daring overtaking manoeuvres, kept the pressure on Prost throughout the race.

The tension between the two rivals reached a climax in the latter stages of the race when Senna attempted to overtake Prost, resulting in a collision that forced Senna out of contention. Despite this setback, Prost held on to claim victory, securing his 45th Grand Prix win.

The 1993 South African Grand Prix was a fitting farewell to Formula One in Africa, showcasing the continent’s passion for motorsport and the fierce rivalries that captivated fans worldwide. While F1 has yet to return to Africa, the memories of this iconic race continue to inspire and excite motorsport enthusiasts across the continent.

Lewis Hamilton Call For F1 Race in Africa

Hamilton’s call for an African F1 race has been met with widespread support from fans and pundits alike. The continent has a long and storied history of motorsport, with iconic races such as the South African Grand Prix and the Moroccan Grand Prix having been held in the past.

Lewis Hamilton proud of the team. Photo/F1

“Africa has a rich motorsport heritage,” Hamilton added. “There have been some incredible drivers from Africa, and I think it’s time that we brought Formula One back to the continent.”

There are a number of countries that have expressed interest in hosting an F1 race, including South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt. South Africa, in particular, has been lobbying for a return to the F1 calendar since the last race at Kyalami in 1993.

“There are some amazing countries in Africa that would be perfect for a Formula One race,” Hamilton explained. “South Africa, Morocco, Egypt – there are so many possibilities.”

Hamilton believes that an African F1 race would not only be a huge boost for the continent’s motorsport industry but would also have a positive impact on the local economy.

“A Formula One race would be a massive boost for the economy,” Hamilton said. “It would bring in a lot of tourism and investment, and it would create jobs for people.”

The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has been open to the idea of adding an African race to the calendar. However, there are a number of logistical challenges that need to be addressed before a race can be confirmed.

“We are always looking for opportunities to expand the Formula One calendar,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said. “Africa is a continent with a lot of potential, and we would be very interested in exploring the possibility of adding a race there.”

Hamilton is confident that an African F1 race will happen sooner rather than later.

“I think it’s only a matter of time before we have a Formula One race in Africa. It’s a continent that deserves to be on the world stage, and I’m sure that the fans would love it,” Hamilton said.