Lewis Hamilton sets sights on racing in an African grand prix before retiring

On the eve of the new Formula One season in Melbourne, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton said he wants to race in a grand prix on African soil and urged a movement to “take Africa back”, arguing the continent is being “controlled” by European powers. The 41-year-old, F1’s first black race driver, said former colonial rulers still exert undue power and called for action to reverse that influence.

He said he has roots in Togo and Benin and called the region “the most beautiful part of the world”, adding that he does not like that “the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it.” He said he is “really hoping the people running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back.” “Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British,” he added.

On the specific matter of an African grand prix, Hamilton reiterated his longstanding support for the idea.

Australia, Melbourne

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