Lewis Hamilton says System 1 can’t proceed to “ignore” Africa as the game explores new places for future calendars.
F1 has not raced in Africa because the 1993 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami, however the occasion got here near a return in 2022.
System 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali lately held a gathering with representatives of Rwanda on the finish of final month because the nation appears to be like to carry a grand prix on a everlasting monitor.
Hamilton, who’s sixth within the F1 Drivers’ Championship, travelled to varied nations in Africa in the course of the F1 summer time break in August and visited a refugee camp.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” stated Hamilton on the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
“There’s an enormous quantity of labor must be accomplished there. I believe numerous the world that have not been there do not realise how lovely the place is, how huge it’s. And doubtless they do not even know what the nations are doing nonetheless to these locations by way of holding again.
“So I think having a grand prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things.”
Hamilton: Rwanda certainly one of my favorite locations
F1’s 2024 and 2025 calendars characteristic 24 occasions throughout 5 continents – Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
Within the final two years, Miami and Las Vegas have joined the schedule, whereas a road circuit race in Madrid will exchange Barcelona because the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.
In accordance with Domenicali, F1 has a lot curiosity now that it may be extra selective with discussions and negotiations with places, however Rwanda is a rustic the place talks are ongoing.
Rwandan capital Kigali will host the FIA Annual Basic Meeting and Prize Giving Ceremony this December.
Stefano Domenicali has held talks with Rwanda representatives about the potential for staging an F1 race
Rwanda has seemed to extend tourism to the nation in recent times in addition to promote itself via sport, together with a sponsorship take care of Arsenal FC.
Nonetheless, Rwanda’s human rights document has come underneath scrutiny. Human Rights Watch submitted proof to the UK Worldwide Agreements Committee in December 2023, saying: “Serious human rights abuses continue to occur in Rwanda, including repression of free speech, arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and torture by Rwandan authorities. Political space in Rwanda remains tightly closed and the opposition face routine threats and harassment.”
Hamilton, 39, says he noticed some “amazing work” from organisations in Africa and needs to assist get an F1 race on the continent.
Lewis Hamilton has six extra races with Mercedes earlier than he joins Ferrari in 2025
“Why are we not on that continent? The current excuse is that maybe there’s not a track that’s ready, but there is at least one track that’s ready there,” he stated.
“And in the short term, we should just get on that track and have that part of the calendar and then work on building out something moving forward.
“That’ll be a dialog I’ve with Stefano [Domenicali], who I do know can be pushing to verify.
“Rwanda is one of my favourite places I’ve been to, actually. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it, I’ve spoken to people in Rwanda, I’ve spoken to people in South Africa.
“That is an extended undertaking, Rwanda. However it’s superb that they are so eager to be part of it.”
Just six races remain in Formula 1 2024 and the season resumes with the United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 18-20, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
