Hamilton keeps African Grand Prix ambition alive but stops short of 2030s commitment

Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his ambition to keep competing in Formula 1 long enough to race in Africa, while declining to guarantee that he will remain on the grid into the 2030s. BBC Sport reported that the seven-time world champion discussed his future at a news conference ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, linking his desire to continue with a goal he has pursued for years.

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The prospect follows Formula 1's agreement for a race in Rwanda. According to BBC Sport, the deal runs for 10 years and is due to begin in the early 2030s, bringing the championship back to Africa for the first time since 1993. Hamilton, who is 41, would be at least 45 by the time the event takes place. He has long campaigned for the sport to return to the continent.

Hamilton said he remained fully committed to the demands of racing and was prepared to make the sacrifices required to continue. However, he acknowledged that he could not know whether he would feel the same way four years from now. His comments expressed a current intention to carry on, rather than an unconditional promise to participate in the proposed African event.

Age was central to his explanation. Hamilton acknowledged that getting older could bring challenges he cannot yet anticipate, but questioned assumptions about declining reactions. He pointed to his reaction time at the previous race as evidence that he could still compare favourably with younger competitors, presenting his recent performance as a reason not to judge his prospects by age alone.

The Ferrari driver is currently competing with four other drivers for second place in the championship behind Mercedes leader Kimi Antonelli, BBC Sport reported. Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025 and endured a difficult first season, but his second campaign has included victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June.

Hamilton also made clear that retaining competitive performance mattered to his decision about how long to stay. He said he did not want to continue once his level had substantially declined. For now, his improved season underpins his wish to keep racing, but whether that extends to Rwanda remains unresolved.