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Lewis Hamilton can't say goodbye to his Formula 1 career just yet!
Reacting to the F1 10-year deal to host an African Grand Prix, the British driver teased that he has been "force to have to stay a lot longer".
The new African Grand Prix will take place in Begesera, Rawana, with a 10-year deal to commence "in the early 2030s".
Lewis Hamilton calls racing in Africa 'a dream'
Hamilton was asked bout competing with likely 2026 champion Kimi Antonelli, to which he replied, "I'm looking forward to racing with him longer, and we'll see."
"I mean, 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. So, yes, I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going!"
Lewis Hamilton talks about the African Grand Prix
When asked for a comment about F1's return to Africa, Hamilton said, "I think for me, 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, and there are so many beautiful countries within it. The people are so lovely. The culture is so rich, and I think it’s important that we get to show that to the world."
"We get to do that with our sport. We get to go to all these different countries, and people see some of these countries they didn’t really know too much about. All of a sudden, it becomes something that's on the screen, and kids are talking about it. They go to school talking about it. So, I'm really, really hopeful for that Grand Prix."
Lewis Hamilton on the political issues in F1
Hamilton subtly acknowledged the political issues behind the event; however, highlighted the positive impact of bringing the sport to Africa.
"Of course, I don't get to choose where we go," he said. "Naturally, there are problems all over the world today, so I've seen many of the stories. But I think we really have to approach it with humility. There’s a lot that we don’t know."
"Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum. A lot of the problems they have there are still results of colonialism and the West intervening."
