Lewis Hamilton Links F1's Rwanda Grand Prix to Calls for Freedom in Palestine and DR Congo

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has reiterated his plea for freedom for Palestine, addressing the controversial decision to award a Grand Prix to Rwanda. Hamilton, the sport's sole Black competitor, acknowledged that an African race could raise awareness of the continent but also recognized existing concerns. He used the opportunity to elaborate on his broader stance on global humanitarian issues.

Amnesty International recently criticized Formula One, suggesting the sport offered Rwanda a "sportswashing prize" – a term used for nations perceived to be using sports to enhance their international image. Speaking before the US Grand Prix, Hamilton, who has consistently advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza amidst what he described as Israel’s genocidal war, connected this to other global conflicts when questioned about the Rwanda Grand Prix.

"I think we need to make sure we’re pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine," Hamilton stated. "There’s a lot of peace that I’m hoping we get to at some stage."

Rwanda has faced scrutiny regarding its human rights record, with President Paul Kagame accused of employing repressive tactics to maintain power, including the alleged deaths of opponents in prison, suppression of independent media, and other abuses. The neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has also voiced criticism of Formula One's decision, accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels currently engaged in conflict within the DRC, a charge echoed by the United States and United Nations experts.

"Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go," Hamilton added. "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. Of course, going there doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there. So hopefully many people start to educate themselves a little bit more about what is happening there and what has happened there for hundreds of years. I hope that does spark the conversation. 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."

Hamilton expressed that a race in Africa has been a long-held dream, potentially influencing his decision to continue in the sport. Formula One has agreed to a Grand Prix in Rwanda in the early 2030s. Hamilton, who will turn 42 in January and is contracted until 2027, sees this as a significant motivation. He noted that Fernando Alonso, the oldest active F1 driver at 45, recently extended his contract.

"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," Hamilton shared during a news conference with championship leader Kimi Antonelli. "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." Antonelli encouraged him, suggesting he should participate in at least the first race.

Hamilton, who made history as the sport's first and only Black champion, has actively campaigned for an African Grand Prix. The continent last hosted a race at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993. He detailed his extensive efforts, including "countless meetings with the stakeholders, so many meetings with (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) at his office in London, but also on race weekends, countless calls: ‘What’s happening? Where are we going? Who are you meeting with?’ Many meetings with different presidents from different countries. Lots of phone calls with different presidents from different countries within Africa." He concluded, "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."