Lewis Hamilton Names Kenya Among African Countries He Wants to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his strong desire to see the sport return to Africa, identifying Kenya and Rwanda as two of his favourite destinations on the continent.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the Ferrari driver emphasised his long-standing efforts to bring a Grand Prix to Africa before he retires. The upcoming season marks his second year with the iconic Italian team.

Hamilton, who is Formula 1's first and only Black driver, noted the continent's conspicuous absence from the global racing calendar despite his extensive travels there.

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"I’ve had the privilege. I’ve been to 10 countries now in Africa, and there’s still so much more for me to see," he stated. "For the past six, maybe seven years, I’ve been fighting in the background to get a Grand Prix. Sitting with stakeholders and asking them, ‘Why are we not in Africa? We’re on every other continent. Why not Africa?’"

The British driver, who identifies as half-African, considers racing on the continent a deeply personal goal. "I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there," he affirmed. "I’m going to be here for a while until that happens because that will be amazing, given that I’m half African."

Reflecting on his travels, the 41-year-old shared that Kenya and Rwanda made a lasting impression, to the point where he could envision living in either country.

"I know they’re really trying. I think they have explored quite a few countries," Hamilton said. "The places I have enjoyed the most so far: I loved Kenya, although I don’t think we’re going to have a Grand Prix there. Rwanda was particularly spectacular. Those are two places where I felt like I could live."

He also mentioned South Africa as a viable option, stating, "South Africa is also stunning. I think those are the ones that would be good places for us to potentially go to."

Formula 1 has not held a race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit. While a return nearly materialised in 2022, recent discussions have seen F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali meet with representatives from Rwanda, which is exploring the possibility of hosting a race on a permanent track.

Hamilton also spoke passionately about the continent's broader significance. "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," he commented. "I’m really hoping that the people running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back."

As he prepares for his 20th season in the sport, Hamilton is looking to rebound from a challenging debut with Ferrari, which was statistically his toughest campaign, yielding no podium finishes outside of a Sprint race victory in Shanghai.

In August 2022, Hamilton embarked on a personal journey to Kenya to trace his roots. His trip included visits to the Samburu region and the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, as well as witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara—an experience he described as a "life-changing reset."

Beyond his on-track achievements, Hamilton is a prominent advocate for diversity in motorsport and a vocal opponent of racism. He was knighted in 2021 and holds the joint record for the most Formula 1 world championships with Michael Schumacher.