Lewis Hamilton, F1's first black driver, has stated his determination to see a race in Africa before he ends his career. "I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there," Hamilton said. " According to sources, Hamilton has been fighting for the past six or seven years to get a grand prix in Africa.
He is half-African, with roots in Togo and Benin, and has visited 10 countries on the continent. " He is concerned about the exploitation of African countries by richer Western nations. F1 bosses are really trying to arrange a race in Africa, but there is no imminent prospect of an F1 race in Africa appearing on the schedule, according to major media reports.
I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there.
The chances of there being a race in Africa before the end of this decade are low. Rwanda was the most recent country linked to hosting an F1 race, but the chances have rescinded. Talks about returning to South Africa for an F1 race in recent years collapsed, though Kyalami in South Africa hosted F1 races from 1967-85 and 1992-93.
The specific dates F1 bosses have set for a potential African grand prix are unknown. Hamilton spent the winter cultivating a positive mental attitude after a difficult first season at Ferrari in 2025, during which he made negative comments about his own performances, including calling himself 'useless'. His performance at Ferrari after the 2025 season has not been detailed.
I'm chasing them - when is it going to be?
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.