Lewis Hamilton has called for freedom for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine while discussing Formula One’s plans to hold a Grand Prix in Rwanda in the early 2030s.

Speaking before the United States Grand Prix, the seven-time Formula One champion said an African race could draw greater attention to the continent, while acknowledging concerns surrounding Rwanda and wider humanitarian issues.

“I think we need to make sure we’re pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine,” Hamilton said in response to a question about Formula One’s decision.

He added: “There’s a lot of peace that I’m hoping we get to at some stage.”

Debate over Rwanda race

Formula One has reached a deal with Rwanda for a Grand Prix in the early 2030s, although no specific race date or venue has been provided.

The plan has drawn criticism. Amnesty International accused Formula One of using hollow words and offering Rwanda a “sportswashing prize”. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has also criticized the decision.

Rwanda has been accused by the DRC, the United States and United Nations experts of backing M23 rebels fighting in the DRC. President Paul Kagame has also faced accusations of using repressive methods to retain power, including claims involving opponents in prisons, restrictions on independent media and other abuses. These are attributed allegations, and the available information does not include a response from the Rwandan government or Formula One.

Hamilton said attending a race in Rwanda should not mean ignoring events in the country.

“Of course, going there doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there,” he said.

He said the event could encourage people to learn more about Africa’s history and current conditions and stimulate public discussion.

“So hopefully many people start to educate themselves a little bit more about what is happening there and what has happened there for hundreds of years. I hope that does spark the conversation,” Hamilton said.

Africa’s place in Formula One

Hamilton, Formula One’s first and only Black champion and its only Black competitor, has campaigned for a race in Africa for years. The continent last hosted a Formula One event at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993, according to the source.

“It’s a place that deserves to have a Grand Prix. It’s about more than just one country. It’s about the continent itself,” Hamilton said.

He also linked some of the continent’s continuing difficulties to historical forces. “A lot of the problems they have there are still results of colonialism and the West intervening,” he said.

Hamilton said that, while growing up in England, he had not been taught about Africa in sufficient detail and argued that the subject should be included in school curricula.

The driver said he had held numerous meetings and calls with Formula One stakeholders, including chief executive Stefano Domenicali, as well as presidents from African countries while promoting a race on the continent.

Although Hamilton has a contract through 2027, he said the planned African race was a reason to continue competing. “I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa,” he said.

He added that he would try to remain fit and continue if he could produce strong results over the next year. Kimi Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes last season, encouraged him to stay long enough to compete in the first African Grand Prix.