Lewis Hamilton has called on the people of Africa to ‘take’ the continent ‘back’ from the likes of France, Spain and Britain.
The seven-time world champion was replying to a question from a South African journalist about a potential return to Africa for the sport. It has not visited the continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who has seemingly recently started dating Kim Kardashian, said he has been ‘fighting for the past six, seven years’ to get his sport to return, and pledged that he will not retire until it does.
Then, he spoke on his passion for the continent, opening up on how he hopes the leaders can ‘take Africa back’ from other countries that ‘control’ it.
‘I’m half African,’ Hamilton began. ‘I’ve got roots from a few different places there. Benin, Senegal, Nigeria.
‘It’s something I’m really proud of, that part of the world. I think it is the most beautiful part of the world, and 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.
Lewis Hamilton has called for the people of Africa to ‘take’ the continent ‘back’ from the likes of the British
Hamilton said: ‘I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it’ when asked about Formula One returning to Africa
‘I’m really looking forwards, hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back. That’s what I want to see. Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, from the Portuguese and the British.
‘It’s so so important for the future, that continent. 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.’
Hamilton has visited Africa regularly, spending much of his mid-season break in 2024 in Senegal. He said the trip was ‘heavy’ and so important to learn our history and to honour the people we come from and live for them.’
Hamilton, meanwhile, took to social media to mark race week ahead of the start of the new Formula One season in Australia this weekend.
He posted a shirtless snap on Instagram, captioned: ‘Race week! I’m ready.’
It comes after he and Kim were spotted taking in the sunset at an exclusive vacation destination along the Colorado River on Saturday evening.
TMZ reported the secluded overlook is ‘within striking distance’ of Amangiri, an ultra-exclusive five-star desert resort.
Amangiri, which offers luxury suites that range from $3,500 and over $7,000 per night, is a discreet hideaway for celebrities seeking total privacy.
The seven-time world champion showed off his six pack this week ahead of the new season
According to the outlet, the pair were spotted snapping a cozy selfie together before heading back toward a waiting black SUV parked nearby.
The reality star and the British Formula One champion only made their first joint public outing last month at Super Bowl LX, but their recent travel itinerary suggests this romance is quickly moving into serious territory.
