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Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix race in Singapore, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo\/Vincent Thian)AUSTIN, Texas (AP) \u2014 Lewis Hamilton lauded Formula 1\u2019s plan to return to Africa with a race in Rwanda<\/a> and acknowledged the criticism from human rights groups over the host nation.\nHe also suggested the chance to achieve his dream of racing in Africa could prompt him to drive for several more years.
\n\u201cI\u2019ve been advocating for a race in Africa for many, many years,\u201d the 41-year-old Ferrari driver and seven-time F1 champion said Thursday ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s about more than just one country. It\u2019s about the continent itself,\u201d Hamilton said. \u201cThe culture is so rich, and I think it\u2019s important that we get to show that to the world.\u201d
\nHamilton is F1\u2019s only Black driver. He is believed to have at least one year left on his contract with Ferrari, with an option for 2028. Formula 1\u2019s announcement that it would race in Africa did not set a specific date and only said it would happen from the early 2030s.
\nHamilton hasn\u2019t won a championship since 2020 and currently stands third in the driver standings.
\n\u201cI\u2019m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that\u2019s been my dream,\u201d Hamilton said. \u201cI have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results \u2026 we\u2019ll keep it going.\u201d
\nFormula 1 hasn\u2019t raced in Africa since 1993 and human rights activists have said the choice of Rwanda for its return distracted from abuses by the country\u2019s authorities. President Paul Kagame has been accused of repressive methods to keep his grip on power, with opponents dying in prisons<\/a>, independent media muzzled, and other abuses.
\nAmnesty International<\/a> called the deal \u201ca sportswashing prize\u201d allowing Rwanda \u201cto polish its image and deflect from its appalling human rights record.\u201d
\nNeighboring Congo joined the criticism<\/a>. Rwanda is accused by Congo, the United States and United Nations experts of backing the M23 rebels<\/a> fighting in Congo.
\n\u201cNaturally, there are problems all over the world today, so I\u2019ve seen many of the stories. But I think we really have to approach it with humility,\u201d Hamilton said. \u201cOf course, going there doesn\u2019t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there.\u201d
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