Before he retires, Lewis Hamilton has stated that he is committed to returning the South African Grand Prix to the Formula One schedule.
The seven-time world champion has made Mercedes his home until 2025, but he has recently struggled to be competitive; his last race victory came in Jeddah in 2021.
However, it seems that the 38-year-old’sultimategoal is to bring the sport back to the Kyalami Circuit. The last grand prix held at the 2.8-mile track took place in 1993, when Alain Prost won the race en route to earning his fourth and last world championship. Since then, the nation—as well as the entire continent of Africa—has been absent from the calendar.
Hamilton: “Going back to South Africa would be such a dream.”
According to The Mirror, Hamilton discussed his wish to bring back the race in Formula One with fans in the fanzone prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I’m putting in some background work to enter South Africa in the competition. I see that as something out of a dream. He remarked, “I have to stay until they get that race.
The British athlete has always aimed to increase the number of people who follow his sport, so his desire to return to South Africa is not new.
In 2015, he stated to the BBC, “I would love for it to be in South Africa.” They are just automobile enthusiasts and avid sports fans. It would be completely insane, but I would really love to go there. There is a sizable fan base, and this is one of the main grand prix that should be added to the schedule.
“In this sport, black South Africans have never had someone to relate to until now. Being in the forefront of that makes me feel tremendously fortunate.”
21 Grands Prix have been held in Kyalami, and although there have been previous talks regarding a potential return, no agreement has been reached.
The FIA declared in 2023 that owing to the government’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a return to South Africa would not be possible anytime soon.
