Lewis Hamilton, the 41-year-old seven-time Formula One world champion, said he plans to extend his racing career into the early 2030s to compete in the African Grand Prix, which Formula One confirmed last week will take place in Rwanda.
Formula One concluded a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the race on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 25 miles south of the capital, Kigali. The circuit has not yet been constructed. The first race is scheduled for the early 2030s. This marks the sport's return to the African continent for the first time since 1993, when it last held a race at Kyalami in South Africa.
Hamilton described racing in Africa as a "dream." According to The Guardian, he believes it is right that Formula One holds a race in Rwanda despite criticism of the country's human rights record.
The confirmation of the Rwandan Grand Prix represents a significant step in Formula One's stated goal to expand its calendar to new regions. Hamilton's public commitment to racing into his mid-40s to participate in the event underscores both his personal attachment to the milestone and the symbolic weight the championship has placed on bringing the sport to Africa after a 30-year absence.
The timeline means Hamilton would need to remain competitive at an age when most drivers have retired from the sport. His statement signals intention rather than guarantee, as team decisions, performance, health and market conditions will all influence whether he races that long.