F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Advocates for African Grand Prix: 'Time to Change the Calendar'

Lewis Hamilton is advocating for Formula 1 to return to Africa, questioning why the continent has been absent from the racing calendar since 1993. The Mercedes driver recently highlighted this issue ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, following discussions between F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Rwandan officials about hosting a Grand Prix.

"We can't be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world takes from - no one gives anything to Africa," Hamilton said via ESPN.

"I think having a grand prix there would really highlight how great the place is and bring in tourism ... so why are we not on that continent? The current excuse is maybe there's not a track that is ready, but there is at least one track that's ready," he said

Domenicali noted that Rwanda has a solid proposal to bring F1 to the country. Despite the lengthy process of making such plans a reality, Hamilton emphasized the need for F1 to engage with Africa, especially given the presence of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa, which has hosted numerous races in the past.

Hamilton believes that an African Grand Prix could boost tourism and showcase the continent's potential. During a recent visit to Africa, he spent time at a refugee settlement, which deepened his commitment to the cause. He expressed concern over the challenges faced by those living in difficult conditions, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support for communities in need.

"I'm still digesting the trip and going to a refugee camp and seeing the work being done there and how people are displaced," he said. "It's one thing reading about it and seeing it on the news, but actually seeing it and speaking to kids who have 10km to get to school to have an education and then 10km back and not having school meals, not able to eat during the day, they have really tough lives over there.

"That was really heavy to see and experience, and then in Senegal seeing the slave areas, seeing what the country has been through.

"If you don't see it and experience it or speak to someone who has been seriously affected by it, you can't even imagine. We need more empathy. ... It's great to see organisations doing amazing work, and what can I do to get on board, how can I help? So that's what I'm trying to do."

In December, Rwanda will take a significant step towards hosting F1 by welcoming the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony in its capital, Kigali. This event could pave the way for a future Grand Prix in Africa, aligning with Hamilton's vision for the sport's expansion on the continent.