The 41-year-old Ferrari driver said the prospect of racing on the continent has given him fresh motivation to remain in the sport, following Formula One’s announcement of a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
“I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa,” Hamilton said.
“I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going,” he added.
Hamilton, who will turn 42 in January 2027, is contracted to Ferrari through 2027. Competing in Rwanda would therefore require him to remain competitive beyond his current deal, although he has not announced a firm retirement date.
The British driver has long advocated for Formula One to return to Africa, repeatedly questioning why the continent was absent from a championship that races across the rest of the world.
“I’ve been advocating for a race in Africa for many, many years,” he said.
“It’s about more than just one country. It’s about the continent itself. The culture is so rich, and I think it’s important that we get to show that to the world,” he added.
Hamilton has also described the campaign to bring a Grand Prix to Africa as a personal mission, saying he spent years engaging Formula One officials and other stakeholders to push for the move.
He recalled holding numerous meetings with Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali, alongside calls and discussions with leaders from different African countries.
“I think for me, it’s a place that deserves to have a Grand Prix,” Hamilton said.
The planned Rwandan race would mark Formula One’s first event in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Hamilton’s enthusiasm was echoed by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who encouraged the veteran racer to remain in the sport long enough to take part in the inaugural event.
“You got to do at least the first one,” Antonelli told Hamilton.
He noted that bringing Formula One to Africa could encourage greater international interest in the continent’s history and present-day challenges.
The prospect of racing in Rwanda comes as Hamilton seeks to remain competitive with Ferrari while pursuing his ambition of competing in an African Grand Prix before retiring.
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