Despite Lewis Hamilton’s continuous appeals for an African Grand Prix, Formula 1 chiefs remain unmoved, sidelining his dream of racing there before hanging up his helmet. Already requesting the sport’s return to Africa since the last race in 1993, Hamilton might retire without seeing his wish granted.
Even as the seven-time world champion has continuously called for action, there seems to be no rush from F1 authorities to revisit South Africa for a Grand Prix event. It was back in ’93 when the engines roared last in Kyalami, a circuit steeped in racing history.
Hopes for a comeback at the iconic Kyalami track flickered briefly in 2022 when talks were held with F1 stakeholders, but connections with Russia caused plans to stall, per the BBC. As it stands, F1 hasn’t displayed an eagerness to explore African venues further, recently expanding the season to a packed 24 races.
F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali mentioned this April that despite the interest from 35 circuits, the 24-race schedule would persist. Still, Hamilton’s passion for racing on African soil remains undiminished. In a 2023 interview with GQ Sports, Hamilton expressed his strong resolve: “I want to race in Africa.”
Hamilton discussed the positive impacts of hosting races globally: “We’re on all the other continents. When you do bring a Grand Prix to a place, it brings so much attention and so much travel, great for the economy and educating people. When we travel, we have an opportunity to really tap into the community and leave a long-lasting legacy. It shouldn’t just be to show up, do a show, and leave.”
Hamilton further highlighted his ambitions during the November 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix while speaking to The Mirror. He expressed his passion project: “I’m working in the background to get South Africa on the [calendar]. That’s like such a dream for me. I’ve got to stay until they get that race.”
Adding to the momentum for an African F1 event, Domenicali acknowledged ongoing efforts to anchor the sport on African soil, emphasizing the aim for sustainable engagement rather than a fleeting visit: “Africa is still a continent that we are working very hard. As I always said, we need to find the right partners, the right middle-term plan. What I want to avoid is that we go there one year and then forget it. We are working, trying to find a solution for the best of the sport, for the best of the country.”
In a surprising twist of events, amidst his involvement with the future of F1 races, Hamilton has set wheels in motion for life after Mercedes. Following a groundbreaking association with the team for over a decade, Hamilton has signed with Ferrari for a sensational move set to take place in 2025.
The celebrated F1 champion has opened up about consulting with other sports icons regarding retirement strategies, as he approaches the age of 40 with a new deal at Ferrari on the horizon. Hamilton shared: “I’d spoken to so many amazing athletes, from Boris Becker to Serena Williams, even Michael Jordan.
Talking to greats that I’ve met along the way, who are retired – or some that are still in competition – and the fear of what’s next, the lack of preparation for what’s next.
“A lot of them said, ‘I stopped too early’, or, ‘Stayed too long. When it ended, I didn’t have anything planned. My whole world came crashing down because my whole life has been about that sport.’ Some of them were like, ‘I didn’t plan and it was a bit of a mess-up because I was really lost afterwards. There was such a hole. Such a void. And I had no idea how I was going to fill it. And I was in such a rush initially to try and fill it that you fill it with the wrong thing. And you make a few mistakes. And then eventually you find your way’.”
