Lewis Hamilton Urges Africa to ‘Take Back’ Continent from Colonial Powers, Vows No Retirement Until F1 Returns

By Sports Desk

MELBOURNE, Australia — Formula 1 icon Sir Lewis Hamilton delivered a passionate and politically charged message ahead of the 2026 season opener, calling on African nations to unite and reclaim control of their continent from former colonial powers including France, Spain, Portugal, and Britain. The seven-time world champion made the remarks during a press conference at the Australian Grand Prix on March 5, 2026, while discussing his long-standing campaign to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.

Hamilton, now 41 and in his second season with Ferrari after a storied career with Mercedes, revealed deep personal ties to the continent. “I’m half African,” he said. “I’ve got roots from a few different places there: Benin, Senegal, Nigeria. It’s something I’m really proud of, that part of the world. 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 continued emphatically: “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, 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.”

planetf1.com

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The comments came in response to a question from a South African journalist about the prospects of F1 returning to Africa. Hamilton has been advocating behind the scenes for six or seven years, lobbying stakeholders and questioning why the sport, present on every other continent, has overlooked Africa. “I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there,” he declared. “I’m chasing them: when is it going to be? 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.”

Hamilton highlighted potential host countries he has visited and admired, including Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. He praised Rwanda as “spectacular” and noted places where he could envision living. The last F1 race on African soil was the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, won by Alain Prost. Since then, the continent has been absent from the calendar despite its vast potential and growing motorsport interest.

bbc.com

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Hamilton’s push aligns with broader efforts by F1 to expand globally, including new races in emerging markets. He has visited 10 African countries and expressed optimism that progress is being made, with scouts evaluating locations. “I know they’re really trying,” he said. “They’ve been to quite a few different countries.”

The outspoken remarks add to Hamilton’s legacy as F1’s most prominent advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social justice. As the sport’s first Black champion, he has used his platform to address inequality, environmental issues, and representation. His comments on neocolonial influence and resource exploitation echo ongoing debates about foreign involvement in African economies, particularly in mining and natural resources.

independent.co.uk

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Amid personal headlines, Hamilton has been romantically linked to Kim Kardashian since early 2026. The pair, longtime friends, sparked dating rumors after sightings in Paris and a public appearance at Super Bowl 2026. They recently shared photos from a romantic trip to Lake Powell, Arizona, though neither has officially confirmed the relationship. Sources describe it as “heating up” with the two growing closer.

apnews.com

Lewis Hamilton renews push for an Africa F1 grand prix | AP News

Hamilton’s Australian Grand Prix press conference also touched on his Ferrari transition after a challenging 2025 debut season without podiums. He remains focused on performance while pursuing his off-track missions. Fans and analysts see his Africa push as a potential legacy-defining achievement, especially as he enters what could be later career stages.

The seven-time champion’s words have sparked widespread discussion on social media and in motorsport circles, with many praising his boldness in linking sport, heritage, and geopolitics. Whether F1 returns to Africa soon remains uncertain, but Hamilton’s determination ensures the conversation will continue.