Hamilton says he'll stay in 1 for Rwanda GP

Lewis Hamilton said he was “forced to stay a lot longer” in Formula 1 because a new African Grand Prix has been announced.

The new race will be held at a permanent circuit in Bugesera near Kigali, with a ten‑year deal that will start in the early 2030s; Hamilton will be 45 in 2030, the earliest possible year for Rwanda’s first event, and the champion has expressed a desire to compete there.

Hamilton said Africa deserves a Grand Prix, that the continent’s culture and people should be showcased, and that the event could spark interest among young people. He also called for greater understanding of Africa’s historical challenges and urged global peace initiatives such as freeing Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine.

Earlier in his career, Hamilton had said he would not race into his forties, but the prospect of competing in Rwanda has prompted him to consider staying in Formula 1 as long as possible, comparing his potential longevity to that of Fernando Alonso.