Hamilton welcomes the return of Formula 1 to Africa

The 41-year-old British driver said in a press conference, "Now, I am obligated to stay longer (in Formula 1 racing) because we are going to have a race in Africa! It has always been my dream to have the opportunity to race in Africa."

When young Mercedes driver, Italian Kimi Antonelli (20), who has a chance to clinch his first world title this weekend, suggested that "he should at least participate in the first race" in Rwanda, Hamilton expressed his agreement.

Hamilton, who has long called for the return of an African round to the premier class calendar, confirmed, "Yes! I will continue to work to maintain my physical fitness as much as I can. And if I can achieve good results next year, I will continue" my career.

Formula 1 management announced last week its return to Africa "starting in 2030," following the signing of a 10-year contract with Rwanda to host a Grand Prix in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

The new circuit is scheduled to be built in the Bugesera region, near the new airport, about 40 kilometers south of the capital, Kigali.

However, construction work will not be completed before the beginning of the next decade.

It is noteworthy that the last premier class race held on the African continent was at the opening of the 1993 season at the Kyalami circuit in the 23rd edition of the South African Grand Prix, where Frenchman Alain Prost achieved victory, outperforming Brazilian Ayrton Senna. Hamilton was 8 years old at the time.

The winner of 106 world championship victories added, "Growing up in England, they didn't teach us anything about Africa. That should be included in the curriculum."

Hamilton expressed his sincere hope that Africa would unite, noting at the same time that "many of the problems they face there are still a product of colonialism and Western interference, but if you look at the people, you will find a lot of determination today. Leading brands are emerging from Africa, which is a continent rich in the most abundant resources."