Lewis Hamilton wants Formula One to return to Africa, as the continent does not have an active race this season.
Formula 1 should return to Africa, according to the reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Africa has a minimal presence in the world of motorsports.
Currently, it is the only inhabited continent that does not have an F1 race. Most of the Formula 1 races take place in Europe, Asia and North America, with Australia hosting the season opener.
Formula 1 has previously raced in Africa at Kyalami, way back in 1993. Marrakesh, in Morocco, has hosted Formula E while the Safari Rally in Kenya, was due to return to the World Rally Championship this year after a long absence.
A one-off Moroccan Grand Prix, at the Ain-Diab road course, was the venue of the F1 1958 season finale.
In a video with Petronas, Hamilton was asked where he would like Formula 1 to race. He quipped “Easy – Africa. It’s such an important place to go back.
“At the moment Formula 1 goes to countries and doesn’t really leave much behind if anything. Formula 1 has to shift into being a sport that does go to a place and leaves behind something that can really help the communities and I think firstly bringing the attention back to Africa and highlighting the beautiful place it is, I think that’s the most important place that we have to go to.
“It needs to be held where it’s not all about money, it’s about people, and in business that’s not always the case, so that’s something I’m pushing for.”
Recent changes in the F1 calendar
Since Liberty Media acquired Formula One, a lot of changes have taken place in the calendar, with more on the pipeline. Vietnam and Netherlands were added for this season, while there’s a possibility of a second venue in the USA.
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The sport is also on the verge of having Saudi Arabia as a venue partner, after its long-term deal with oil major Aramco. The Formula One season kicks off at the Red Bull Ring in Austria next week.
