Lewis Hamilton Calls for African Nations to Reclaim Sovereignty
Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has issued a powerful statement urging African people to unite and reclaim their countries from former colonial powers, including Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal. The seven-time world champion made these remarks while discussing the prospect of Formula 1 returning to the African continent, a move he passionately advocates for before his retirement from the sport.
Hamilton's Vision for African Empowerment
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Hamilton was questioned by a South African journalist about the possibility of an African race. The 41-year-old driver seized the opportunity to express his deep concerns about ongoing exploitation and his hopes for African self-determination.
"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," Hamilton declared. "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."
He specifically called for action against historical colonisers: "Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It's so important for the future of that continent."
Hamilton emphasized that Africa possesses abundant resources that could make it a global powerhouse, suggesting this potential is precisely why external control persists. "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," he noted before moving the conversation forward.
Pushing for Formula 1's African Return
Beyond political commentary, Hamilton is actively campaigning for Formula 1 to host a race in Africa, noting the continent has been absent from the calendar since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. "There's one on every other continent, why not Africa?" he questioned, acknowledging that F1 organizers have been exploring various countries.
The Mercedes driver shared his personal experiences visiting African nations, highlighting several potential locations:
- Kenya: A country he loved but doubts will host a Grand Prix.
- Rwanda: Described as spectacular, with Hamilton noting he could envision living there.
- South Africa: Praised as stunning and a strong candidate for a race.
Hamilton revealed he is personally lobbying F1 decision-makers, feeling urgency as his career winds down. "I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them: 'When is it going to be?'" he explained. "They're setting certain dates. I'm like, 'Damn, I could be running out of time...' So I'm going to be here for a while, until that happens."
Personal Connection to African Heritage
The racing champion's advocacy is deeply personal, rooted in his African ancestry. Hamilton proudly identifies as half-African, with familial ties to Togo and Benin. He recently visited Benin, Senegal, and Nigeria, expressing immense pride in his heritage.
"It's something I'm really, really proud of. I'm really proud of that part of the world," Hamilton stated, underscoring how his cultural background fuels his commitment to seeing Africa thrive both in motorsport and geopolitically.
As the 2026 season commences, Hamilton's dual mission—promoting African sovereignty and securing a Grand Prix on the continent—remains at the forefront of his public engagements, blending sports advocacy with broader social commentary.
