Lewis Hamilton Calls for End to European Control Over Continent’s Resources

Post By DJ Longers
March 6, 2026

‘Take Africa Back’: Lewis Hamilton Calls for End to European Control Over Continent’s Resources

MELBOURNE — In a stunning departure from standard pre-race rhetoric, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has used the platform of the 2026 season opener to issue a powerful call for African sovereignty, urging the continent’s leaders to "take back" control from European powers.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on Thursday 5th March the 41-year-old Ferrari driver combined his long-standing advocacy for an African Grand Prix with a blunt critique of what he described as ongoing colonial-style exploitation.

“The Rest of the World Owns Too Much”

Hamilton, F1’s first and only Black champion, did not mince words when discussing the economic and political state of the continent. Identifying his own roots in West African nations like Togo and Benin, Hamilton expressed frustration over how Africa's vast wealth is managed by foreign interests.

“I think it is the most beautiful part of the world, and I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it,” Hamilton declared. “I’m really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back.”

He specifically named several former colonial powers, calling for a reclamation of resources. “Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British,” he added. “They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that’s probably why they are being controlled the way they are.”

The Fight for a Grand Prix

The fiery comments were sparked by a question regarding the absence of an African race on the F1 calendar. Africa remains the only inhabited continent without a Grand Prix, a gap that hasn't been filled since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Hamilton revealed that he has been "fighting in the background" for seven years, lobbying F1 stakeholders to return to the continent before he retires.

Potential Hosts: Hamilton singled out Rwanda and South Africa as the most viable destinations. He described Rwanda as "spectacular" and a place he could "imagine living," while noting that South Africa is "stunning" and possesses the most established infrastructure.
The Clock is Ticking: With his career entering its final chapters, Hamilton admitted he feels the pressure of time. “I don’t want to leave the sport without getting to race there. I’m chasing them, when is it going to be?”

A “Sovereign” Vision for Sport

Hamilton’s remarks reflect a growing trend of athletes using their global influence to address systemic geopolitical issues. By linking the sport's expansion to the broader theme of continental independence, Hamilton is positioning an African Grand Prix not just as a sporting event, but as a symbol of regional empowerment.

While F1 bosses have acknowledged that they are "really trying" to secure a race, hurdles remain. Recent reports indicate that a bid for Kyalami to return in 2027 has faced setbacks, with South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie admitting that a 2027 target is "definitely not possible" due to the scale of required upgrades.

Mixed Reactions in the Paddock

Hamilton’s "take it back" message has already reverberated through the paddock and beyond. While many fans praised his courage to speak on "decolonization," critics argued that the driver should "focus on the racing" and warned against oversimplifying complex international trade relations.

Regardless of the backlash, Hamilton’s stance is clear: he isn't just racing for trophies anymore. He is racing for a legacy that sees the continent of his ancestors finally take its place at the head of the table, both in the world of motorsport and on the global stage.