Lewis Hamilton Calls for Africa to ‘Take Back’ Control from Former Colonial Powers

Melbourne, Australia – In a passionate and candid address ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton voiced deep pride in his African heritage while urging leaders across the continent to unite and reclaim sovereignty from foreign influence. The Ferrari driver, speaking to reporters, emphasized his personal connection to Africa and his long-standing desire to see the sport return to the continent for the first time in decades.

“I’m half African,” Hamilton began, highlighting his roots in several West African nations. “I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Benin, Senegal, Nigeria. Togo and Benin as well. I went to visit Benin last year, Senegal and Nigeria. It’s something I’m really, really proud of. I’m really proud of that part of the world.”

The 41-year-old, Formula 1’s first Black driver, described Africa as “the most beautiful part of the world,” lamenting what he sees as ongoing exploitation. “I don’t 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. Hamilton has spent recent off-seasons traveling extensively in Africa, visiting countries including Kenya and Rwanda, experiences he says have deepened his appreciation for the continent’s culture, history, and potential.

table.media

Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton wants an African Grand Prix before the end of his career • Table.Briefings

His comments came in response to questions about Formula 1’s potential return to Africa, a cause Hamilton has championed for years. The continent last hosted a Grand Prix in South Africa in 1993, shortly after the end of apartheid. Hamilton declared he refuses to retire without racing there, tying his personal heritage to the sport’s global expansion.

“I’m really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back,” Hamilton continued. “That’s what I want to see. Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British.”

The remarks highlight lingering effects of colonialism, where European powers historically extracted resources and maintained economic influence through mechanisms like debt, trade agreements, and resource concessions in nations such as those in West Africa. Hamilton’s call for unity echoes broader pan-African sentiments advocating self-determination and resource control.

mirror.co.uk

Lewis Hamilton calls on Africa to ‘take countries back’ from likes of the British – The Mirror

Hamilton’s advocacy extends beyond words. He has pressed F1 organizers behind the scenes to prioritize an African race, arguing the continent deserves representation on the calendar like every other major region. “There’s one on every other continent, why not Africa?” he asked. With his move to Ferrari in 2025 and ongoing career, he remains optimistic about witnessing—or participating in—such an event.

The driver’s heritage claims have drawn attention, with reports noting family ties to Togo, Benin, Senegal, and Nigeria. His travels have been described as journeys of self-discovery, connecting to ancestral history amid F1’s demanding schedule.

irishnews.com

Lewis Hamilton calls on African countries to ‘take back’ their continent – The Irish News

Africa’s vast resources—minerals, oil, arable land—position it as potentially “the most powerful place in the world,” Hamilton suggested in related discussions, yet foreign dominance persists in key sectors. His speech resonates amid global conversations on decolonization, economic justice, and reparative actions.

Formula 1 has expressed interest in African expansion, with talks of races in Rwanda or other locations, though no firm dates exist. Hamilton’s outspoken stance adds momentum, blending personal passion with calls for broader change.

As the 2026 season unfolds, Hamilton’s words serve as a reminder of his multifaceted identity: a British racing icon with deep African roots, using his platform to spotlight underrepresented issues.

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African Continent Map Overlay on Beautiful Sunset Mountainous Landscape Stock Illustration – Illustration of tourism, location: 369237118