Hamilton says Rwanda race gives him a reason to extend his career
Lewis Hamilton said at the US Grand Prix press conference that the planned African Grand Prix in Rwanda means he is "forced" to race on for longer. He will keep going if results stay good, and described his years of lobbying for a race on the continent.
A dream with a long lead time
Lewis Hamilton has a new reason to postpone retirement. Speaking in the Thursday press conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver said the planned return of Formula 1 to Africa means he is, in his words, "forced to have to stay a lot longer". He framed it as a joke, but the intent was serious: he wants to race there.
The race is due in the early 2030s. Crash.net reports that F1 signed a 10-year deal with Rwanda; PlanetF1 adds that the circuit is planned near Kigali alongside a new international airport due to open in 2028, with early indications pointing to a first race in 2032. No date has been confirmed. F1 last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
What Hamilton said
Hamilton said he must keep working on his fitness and will carry on as long as he keeps getting good results over the next year. When Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli told him he had to come, Hamilton replied that staying fit is the challenge. PlanetF1 notes he would be 47 if the first race takes place in 2032.
He also described how much effort he has put into the project. According to Crash.net, he held many meetings with stakeholders, including F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, and had frequent calls and meetings with presidents of several African countries. He argued that Africa is a continent, not a single country, and deserves a grand prix.
PlanetF1 reports that Rwanda's sports minister, Nelly Mukazayire, said the country is open to working with Hamilton and called him a strong voice for F1 in Africa.
By the numbers
His season so far gives him a case to continue. After 17 of 25 races, Hamilton has 202 points, one win (Catalunya), six podiums and no finish outside the top ten. He has one retirement, at Madring. His best recent result was third in Kuala Lumpur; in Singapore he finished sixth.
The United States Grand Prix, round 18, starts on Sunday 25 October at 20:00 UTC.
