Lewis Hamilton is arguing that Formula 1 should go back to Africa, asking why the continent hasn’t been included in the schedule since 1993. After talks regarding hosting a Grand Prix between Rwandan officials and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the Mercedes driver brought this problem to light ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world takes from – no one gives anything to Africa,” Hamilton told ESPN. “I believe that hosting a grand prix there would greatly emphasize the quality of the location and increase tourism. So why aren’t we on that continent? The current justification is that, although one track may not be ready at this time, there are still others that are,” he stated.
Domenicali mentioned that Rwanda has a strong plan to host the Formula One Championship.
Hamilton underlined the necessity for Formula One to interact with Africa despite the long process of bringing such plans to fruition, particularly in light of the existence of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa, which has held many races in the past. Hamilton thinks that hosting an African Grand Prix may increase traveler numbers and highlight the potential of the area. He became even more committed to the cause after spending time in a refugee community on a recent trip to Africa.
He expressed worry about the difficulties experienced by individuals who live in harsh circumstances and emphasized the value of showing compassion and assistance to underprivileged groups.”I’m still digesting the trip and going to a refugee camp and seeing the work being done there and how people are displaced,” he stated. “It’s one thing reading about it and seeing it on the news, but actually seeing it and speaking to kids who have 10km to get to school to have an education and then 10km back and not having school meals, not able to eat during the day, they have really tough lives over there.”Seeing and experiencing it was really upsetting, as did learning about the slave areas in Senegal and the hardships the nation has faced.
You can’t even begin to comprehend it if you haven’t seen it, experienced it, or spoken to someone who has been negatively impacted by it. We require greater empathy. It’s wonderful to see organizations accomplishing incredible things. How can I support them and what can I do to come on board? That is what I am attempting to achieve.
Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali will host the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony in December, marking a major milestone in the country’s goal of hosting Formula One. In keeping with Hamilton’s goal of expanding the sport throughout the continent, this event may open the door for a Grand Prix in the future.
