What We Know About Lewis Hamilton's Rwanda Grand Prix Goal

Lewis Hamilton said he intends to keep racing in Formula One into the early 2030s so he can compete in the sport's first African Grand Prix, which Rwanda is set to host, according to remarks reported by the Guardian ahead of the US Grand Prix weekend in Austin (The Guardian).

What did Hamilton say about extending his career?

The seven-time world champion, 41, told reporters he is "forced to have to stay a lot longer" because of the new Rwanda date, which he called a long-held personal goal, the Guardian reported.

"I'm now forced to have 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," Hamilton said, according to the Guardian. "So, I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit if I can. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we'll keep it going."

When and where will the African Grand Prix be held?

Formula One confirmed last week that Rwanda had agreed to a 10-year deal to host the African Grand Prix, with the first race set for the early 2030s, per the Guardian. The event is planned for a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 25 miles south of the capital, Kigali, a track that has yet to be constructed, the outlet reported. A race there would mark Formula One's return to the African continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, according to the Guardian.

Why has the Rwanda deal drawn criticism?

The award of the race has been criticized as an act of sportswashing because of Rwanda's human rights record, the Guardian reported. Hamilton, by contrast, said he believes the race will prove to be a force for good rather than sportswashing, according to the outlet's account of his comments.

How old would Hamilton be when the race happens?

Hamilton would be at least in his mid-40s if he competes in Rwanda by 2030, the Guardian noted. Formula One's current oldest driver is Fernando Alonso, who is 45, according to the outlet.

What is Hamilton's current contract status?

Hamilton is understood to be under contract with Ferrari through the end of the 2027 season, the Guardian reported. Racing into the early 2030s would require at least one further contract extension beyond those existing terms, based on the timeline described in the report.

The Guardian is the originating source for all figures and quotes in this account; no additional outlets have independently reported Hamilton's remarks as of publication.