Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton opens up about his west African heritage and calls for continental unity
On the eve of the new Formula 1 season, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton made a powerful statement that transcended motorsport. The 41-year-old Ferrari driver not only reiterated his dream of racing in Africa before retiring but also revealed a deeply personal connection to the continent.
“I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin,” Hamilton told reporters in Melbourne, as reported by The Guardian. “I’m really proud of that part of the world.”
The sport’s first and only Black racing driver then issued a passionate call for African unity and self-determination, suggesting that European powers continue to exert undue control over the continent.
“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,” Hamilton said.
“I’m really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back. Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British.”
Hamilton emphasized the continent’s untapped potential, stating that Africa possesses all the resources needed to become “the greatest and most powerful place in the world.”
The seven-time champion, now in his first season with Ferrari, has long advocated for F1 to return to Africa, with no Grand Prix held on the continent since 1993.
