Hamilton says he wants to remain in F1 through the 2030s to finally race on African soil.
F1 unveiled an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, slated for the early 2030s, but withheld a specific date.
Turning 42 in January, Hamilton will be 45 when the 2030 season kicks off. He admits a seat isn’t guaranteed, yet hopes to chase the continent’s maiden race since 1993.
Ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix, he admitted, “I’m compelled to extend my career because Africa is my dream venue.”
“I’ll have to stay fit and keep delivering results for years to come,” he added.
Now in his second year with Ferrari, Hamilton’s deal runs through 2027, with an optional year for 2028.
Beyond that, his path is unclear, but Alonso shows a 45‑year‑old can still compete – a point I find encouraging.
Hamilton: Approach Rwanda with humility
A ten‑year hosting pact for Rwanda sparked backlash, with Amnesty International calling it a “sports‑washing prize” for the regime.
Responding to the criticism, Hamilton urged a humble approach to the new race.
“I don’t pick the venues,” he said. “Global issues abound, but we must act with humility.”
“We learned nothing about Africa in school,” he noted, adding that colonial legacies still shape many challenges.
“Yet African designers are thriving, the continent is resource‑rich, and I still hope it unites,” he asserted, despite powerful forces resisting change.
“Visiting won’t ignore problems,” he continued. “I hope more people educate themselves about Africa’s long history.”
He concluded, “We must push for freedom in Congo, Sudan, Syria, Palestine – peace is the goal.”
Rwanda’s history in sport
‘Visit Rwanda’ sponsors Aston Villa for £20 million a season, a deal Amnesty decries as sports‑washing.
DR Congo accuses Rwanda of arming rebels and urged clubs like Arsenal, PSG and Bayern to reassess ties by 2025.
PSG extended its Rwanda partnership to 2028, while Bayern halted a commercial deal but kept an academy program.
Felix Jakens of Amnesty International UK warned that Rwanda is using major sports to mask its abysmal human‑rights record.
He called the decade‑long Grand Prix a “sports‑washing prize” for Kigali’s authorities.
“From Arsenal to F1, Rwanda is buying prestige to deflect criticism,” Jakens added.
F1 claims sport can be a force for good, yet those words ring empty when it partners with a regime notorious for detention and torture.
Beyond its borders, Rwanda fuels conflict in the DRC, supporting the M23 rebels and deploying troops in eastern Congo.
The series should pressure Kigali for reform rather than serve as a PR stunt.
Saturday October 24
6.15pm: United States Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)
8.30pm: United States Grand Prix Qualifying build‑up*
10pm: UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
12am: F1 Academy Race 2*
12.45am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday October 25
5pm: F1 Academy Race 3
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: United States GP build‑up*
8pm: THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: United States GP reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook