Lewis Hamilton vows not to retire until Formula One returns to Africa

Ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Hamilton reaffirmed his commitment to seeing Formula One race on the continent for the first time since 1993.

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-race press conference at the Albert Park Circuit, Hamilton said that of the ten African countries he has visited, he believes Rwanda and South Africa are strong contenders to host the event.

"I think the ones that I have enjoyed the most so far — I loved Kenya. I don't think we're going to have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda, in particular was spectactular — somewhere it felt like I could live," said Hamilton

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"South Africa is stunning, and I think those are the ones that would be good places for us to potentially go to. I don't want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there so I'm chasing them, like when is it going to be."

Hamilton mentioned that he has been engaging stakeholders behind the scenes in recent years about bringing Formula One back to Africa. The 41-year-old says racing on the continent would be meaningful, as it connects with his African heritage.

Hamilton believes unity among African leaders will be crucial in helping the continent reclaim its place on the global motorsport calendar.

"I am really hoping that the people who are running those countries will unite and come together and take Africa back — that's what I want to see. Take it back from the French, Spanish, Portuguese and the British. It's so important for the future of the continent. I mean they have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that's probably why they're being controlled the way they are."

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie recently told the media that the sports ministry has secured funding to support the return of Formula One to the country. McKenzie added that sponsors are enthusiastic about bringing the global motorsport spectacle back to South Africa.