Lewis Hamilton says that he hopes to hear South Africa as the next new addition to the Formula 1 calendar.
F1 has agreed long-term deals with multiple new venues in the past year, including Miami, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
However, the continent of Africa doesn’t have a race on the schedule, with South Africa last hosting a race in 1993.
Speaking to Sky Sports last month, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the sport was looking at returning to Africa in the coming years.
“On top of America, on top of China, I think there is a potential also to be in Africa soon,” Domenicali said. “There is a lot of interest there. For sure that’s another area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar.”
F1’s Concorde Agreement, which runs until 2025, states that a maximum of 24 races can be held during a season.
With growing interest from various locations, current events will have to drop off the calendar to make room for new venues.
Next year, F1 will race in Las Vegas – but when asked had he been to the famous city before, Hamilton said: “I have. But the one I really want to see is South Africa. That’s the one I want to hear next, that gets announced.”
Hamilton added that it has personal meaning to him to race in Africa: “We’re pretty much on every other continent, so why not?
“And ultimately, my ancestors are from there so that’s why it is important for me personally. I think it’s important for the sport to go there. If they’re in every other continent, why not?”
Credit where it’s due, for once Hamilton is speaking sense. Formula One should never have added more races in the USA, and priority should have been given before now to establishing the sport back onto the African continent, be it at Kyalami, probably the easiest option, or elsewhere. If the simple rule of one country, one race were applied, there would be ample opportunities to take the championship into new and long-absent countries.
I would, though, urge Hamilton to read some books on the history of the human race, since not only does he have a skewed view of the history of slavery, but he has now exhibited a lack of knowledge of ancient history, because, in fact, all of our ancestors came from Africa.
Yes Lewis the birthplace of man comes from Africa so why not an F1.
Quit pandering to Hamilton.
Let’s focus on racing…not race !
There’s a reason companies pulled out of South Africa years ago…read a book Hamilton.
Don’t talk of unjustes to blacks;when you make over 50 million a year besides sponsorship money. AND QUIT TAKING A KNEE…ESPECIALLY THE WHITE DRIVERS.
EMBARRASSING I tune in to escape reality…not watch fools.
Will he acknowledge white farm murders in South Africa if F1 goes there, or does that not fit in his narrative?