Hamilton advocates for F1 expansion into Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, has thrown his support behind the proposition of hosting a grand prix in Rwanda. The British driver has shown a particular interest in Africa, having spent part of his summer break traveling around the continent and even visiting a refugee camp.

Speaking about the potential Rwanda GP, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently highlighted that Rwanda has "presented a good plan" and expressed serious interest in establishing a permanent circuit for the event.

At a press conference preceding the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton voiced his unwavering support:

"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," he said. "I think having a grand prix there would really highlight how great the place is and bring in tourism ... so why are we not on that continent? The current excuse is maybe there's not a track that is ready, but there is at least one track that's ready."

Hamilton was referring to the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, which previously hosted 21 races between 1967 and 1993. The 39-year-old has been an advocate for reinstating the South African Grand Prix, although such plans have yet to come to fruition.

"Rwanda is one of my favourite places I've been to," Hamilton continued. "I've been doing a lot of work in the background and spoken to people in Rwanda and South Africa. That's a long project, but it's amazing that they're so keen to get it."

Further emphasizing Rwanda's rising profile in the motorsport world, the Rwandan capital, Kigali, is set to host the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony in December. This milestone event underscores Rwanda's increasing involvement in the international motorsport arena.

During his African tour, Hamilton visited the Maratane Refugee Settlement in northern Mozambique, an experience that left a significant impact on the seasoned racer:

"I'm still digesting the trip and going to a refugee camp and seeing the work being done there and how people are displaced," Hamilton commented. "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."

Hamilton also spoke about his experiences in Senegal, where he encountered historical slave areas and reflected on the country’s tumultuous past:

"That was really heavy to see and experience, and then in Senegal seeing the slave areas, seeing what the country has been through. If you don't see it and experience it or speak to someone who has been seriously affected by it, you can't even imagine. We need more empathy. ... It's great to see organisations doing amazing work, and what can I do to get on board, how can I help? So that's what I'm trying to do."

Hamilton's journey across Africa appears to have deepened his commitment to humanitarian efforts and advocacy for the continent. His vocal support could serve as a catalyst for Formula One to seriously consider expanding its calendar to include a race in Africa, starting with the proposed Rwanda GP.

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